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Abstract:

A mosaic image which encourages users' motivation of continuously
browsing mosaic images is generated. An image generation device which
generates a mosaic image using as a source image a material image divided
into a plurality of divided areas, has: an acquiring means that acquires
an image from a terminal device through a network; and a mosaic image
generating means that generates a mosaic image by allocating the image
acquired by the acquiring means, to one of the divided areas based on
color information of the image acquired by the acquiring means and color
information of each of the divided areas of the material image used as
the source image. After generating the mosaic image, the mosaic image
generating means generates a new mosaic image by changing at least one of
a number of the divided areas and the material image in response to an
increase in a number of images acquired by the acquiring means.

Claims:

1. An image generation device which generates a mosaic image using as a
source image a material image divided into a plurality of divided areas,
the image generation device comprising: an acquiring unit that acquires
an image from a terminal device through a network; and a mosaic image
generating unit that generates a mosaic image by allocating the image
acquired by the acquiring unit, to one of the divided areas based on
color information of the image acquired by the acquiring unit and color
information of each of the divided areas of the material image used as
the source image, wherein, after generating the mosaic image, the mosaic
image generating unit generates a new mosaic image by changing at least
one of a number of the divided areas and the material image in response
to an increase in a number of images acquired by the acquiring unit.

2. The image generation device according to claim 1, wherein the mosaic
image generating unit generates a mosaic image by allocating the image
acquired by the acquiring unit to the divided areas of the material image
divided into the divided areas corresponding to a number matching a
number of images acquired by the acquiring unit, and generates a mosaic
image by increasing the number of the divided areas in response to an
increase in the number of images acquired by the acquiring unit.

3. The image generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a
color information acquiring unit that acquires color information of the
divided areas of a plurality of material images, wherein the mosaic image
generating unit generates a mosaic image by allocating the image acquired
by the acquiring unit, to the divided areas of one of the material images
based on color information of the image acquired by the acquiring unit
and color information acquired by the color information acquiring unit
and using one of the material images as a source image, and after
generating the mosaic image, the mosaic image generating unit further
generates a mosaic image by using as a new source image the material
image different from the material image used as the source image, in
response to an increase in a number of images acquired by the acquiring
unit.

4. The image generation device according to claim 3, wherein the mosaic
image generating unit generates a mosaic image using as a source image
the material image in which images are allocated to all of the divided
areas, in response to an increase in a number of images acquired by the
acquiring unit.

5. The image generation device according to claim 3, wherein the color
information acquiring unit acquires color information of differing areas
which are the divided areas comprising a difference in color between a
non-source image which is the material image which is not used as the
source image among the plurality of material images, and the source
image, and the mosaic image generating unit generates a mosaic image for
which the non-source image is used as a new source image by allocating
the image acquired by the acquiring unit to one of the differing areas of
one of the non-source images based on color information of the image
acquired by the acquiring unit and color information of the differing
areas acquired by the color information acquiring unit, and using images
allocated to the differing areas of the non-source image in which images
are allocated to all of the differing areas and images allocated to the
divided areas other than the differing areas in the source image.

6. The image generation device according to claim 3, further comprising:
an order information acquiring unit that acquires order information
indicating a display order of each of the material images; and a mosaic
image transmitting unit that transmits display information for displaying
the mosaic image generated by the mosaic image generating unit, to the
terminal device through the network according to an order matching the
display order of the material images which are used as source images of
mosaic images displayed based on the display information.

7. The image generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a
deciding unit that decides whether or not there are the divided areas
which are suitable to allocate the image acquired by the acquiring unit,
based on color information of the image acquired by the acquiring unit
and color information of each of the divided areas, wherein the mosaic
image generating unit does not use an image for which the deciding unit
decides that there is no suitable divided area to allocate to generate a
mosaic image, and does not include a number of images for which the
deciding unit decides that there is no suitable divided area to allocate,
in the number of images acquired by the acquiring unit.

8. The image generation device according to claim 1, wherein the mosaic
image generating unit preferentially allocates an image to the divided
areas comprising an outline image showing an outline of the material
image.

9. The image generation device according to claim 1, wherein the
acquiring unit acquires an image to be posted, and identification
information of a user who posts the image, from the terminal device, and
the image generation device further comprises an assigning unit that,
when the mosaic image generating unit allocates the image acquired by the
acquiring unit, to the divided area through which a point is set to be
assigned, updates point count information by adding a number of assigning
points to a number of points indicated by the point count information
matching the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit
among the point count information stored in a point count information
memory unit that associates and stores the point count information
indicating a number of points held by the user, and the identification
information of the user.

10. The image generation device according to claim 1, wherein the
acquiring unit acquires an image to be posted by a user from a terminal
device, and the image generation device further comprises: a mosaic image
transmitting unit that transmits display information for displaying the
mosaic image generated by the mosaic image generating unit, to the
terminal device through a network, a receiving unit that receives request
information which is transmitted from the terminal device when the user
selects an image included in a mosaic image displayed on the terminal
device based on the display information, and which indicates a request of
a profile of the user who posts the selected image, and a profile
information transmitting unit that transmits profile information which
shows the profile of the user matching the request information received
by the receiving unit, to the terminal device which is a transmission
source of the request information.

11. The image generation device according to claim 1, further comprising
a memory unit that stores the image acquired by the acquiring unit,
wherein, after generating the mosaic image, the mosaic image generating
unit generates a new mosaic image by changing at least one of a number of
the divided areas and the material image in response to an increase in a
number of images stored by the memory unit.

12. An image generation method in an image generation device which
generates a mosaic image using as a source image a material image divided
into a plurality of divided areas, the image generation method
comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring an image from a terminal
device through a network; a first mosaic image generating step of
generating a mosaic image by allocating the image acquired in the
acquiring step, to one of the divided areas based on color information of
the image acquired in the acquiring step and color information of each of
the divided areas of the material image used as the source image; and a
second mosaic image generating step of, after the mosaic image is
generated in the first mosaic image generating step, generating a new
mosaic image by changing at least one of a number of the divided areas
and the material image in response to an increase in a number of images
acquired in the acquiring step.

13. (canceled)

14. A non-transitory recording medium having a computer-readable image
generation program recorded therein which causes a computer included in
an image generation device which generates a mosaic image using as a
source image a material image divided into a plurality of divided areas,
to execute: an acquiring step of acquiring an image from a terminal
device through a network; a first mosaic image generating step of
generating a mosaic image by allocating the image acquired in the
acquiring step, to one of the divided areas based on color information of
the image acquired in the acquiring step and color information of each of
the divided areas of the material image used as the source image; and a
second mosaic image generating step of, after the mosaic image is
generated in the first mosaic image generating step, generating a new
mosaic image by changing at least one of a number of the divided areas
and the material image in response to an increase in a number of images
acquired in the acquiring step.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a technical field of, for example,
an information providing device which provides pages (web pages) listing
predetermined information, to terminal devices such as personal computers
connected through a network such as Internet and, more particularly,
relates to a technique of creating and providing pages listing
information related to posted images.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Synthetic images which are referred to as "mosaic art" (mosaic
images and photo mosaics) are known as expression methods for posters,
web pages and the like used for advertising new products or announcing
events.

[0003] For example, the mosaic art can be made by selecting in advance an
image showing a picture (design) based on which the mosaic image is made
and generating divided areas by dividing the image into a plurality of
areas. Further, this method includes generating a mosaic image by
extracting a plurality of images which are similar to color information
(such as chromaticity data such as RGB) of the divided areas and match
the divided areas, and combining the extracted images (hereinafter,
divided images) in a tile pattern.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of generating a mosaic
image provided to a mobile terminal, using an image posted by a user for
divided images. More specifically, with the technique disclosed in Patent
Literature 1, the posted image is corrected to approximate color
information of the posted image to color information shown by divided
areas of the image which is the source of the mosaic image.

[0006] When the above mosaic image is used in, for example, a web page,
uniqueness of the mosaic image attracts the user's attention at a first
glance. However, a mosaic image which is completed once does not change
afterward, and therefore the same mosaic image as the mosaic image which
the user previously sees is displayed every time the user browses, for
example, the web page at a different time. Hence, it is difficult to keep
user's motivation of browsing a mosaic image as the time passes.

[0007] The present invention is made in light of the above problem, and an
example of the object of the present invention is to provide an image
generation device, an image generation method, an image generation
program and a recording medium which can generate a mosaic image which
keeps user's motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to
claim 1 is an image generation device which generates a mosaic image
using as a source image a material image divided into a plurality of
divided areas,

[0009] the image generation device comprising:

[0010] an acquiring means that acquires an image from a terminal device
through a network; and

[0011] a mosaic image generating means that generates a mosaic image by
allocating the image acquired by the acquiring means, to one of the
divided areas based on color information of the image acquired by the
acquiring means and color information of each of the divided areas of the
material image used as the source image,

[0012] wherein, after generating the mosaic image, the mosaic image
generating means generates a new mosaic image by changing at least one of
a number of the divided areas and the material image in response to an
increase in a number of images acquired by the acquiring means.

[0013] According to the present invention, the mosaic image is generated
based on the image acquired from the terminal device, and further images
are acquired from the terminal device, so that the number of acquired
images then increases. Further, a new mosaic image is generated by
changing at least one of the number of divided areas and the material
image of the previously generated image in response to an increase in the
number of acquired images. By this means, the resolution of the newly
generated mosaic image and the material image imitated by the newly
generated mosaic image change from the previously generated mosaic image.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0014] The invention according to claim 2 is the image generation device
according to claim 1,

[0015] wherein the mosaic image generating means generates a mosaic image
by allocating the image acquired by the acquiring means to the divided
areas of the material image divided into the divided areas corresponding
to a number matching a number of images acquired by the acquiring means,
and generates a mosaic image by increasing the number of the divided
areas in response to an increase in the number of images acquired by the
acquiring means.

[0016] According to the present invention, the resolution of the generated
mosaic image improves in proportion to an increase in the number of the
acquired images. Consequently, a mosaic image which more faithfully
imitates the material image is generated in proportion to an increase in
the number of acquired images, so that it is possible to encourage user's
motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0017] The invention according to claim 3 is the image generation device
according to claim 1 or claim 2,

[0018] further comprising a color information acquiring means that
acquires color information of the divided areas of a plurality of
material images,

[0019] wherein the mosaic image generating means generates a mosaic image
by allocating the image acquired by the acquiring means, to the divided
areas of one of the material images based on color information of the
image acquired by the acquiring means and color information acquired by
the color information acquiring means, and using one of the material
images as a source image, and

[0020] after generating the mosaic image, the mosaic image generating
means further generates a mosaic image by using as a new source image the
material image different from the material image used as the source
image, in response to an increase in a number of images acquired by the
acquiring means.

[0021] According to the present invention, the material image imitated by
the mosaic image changes to another material image in response to an
increase in the number of acquired images. Consequently, it is possible
to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0022] The invention according to claim 4 is the image generation device
according to claim 3,

[0023] wherein the mosaic image generating means generates a mosaic image
using as a source image the material image in which images are allocated
to all of the divided areas, in response to an increase in a number of
images acquired by the acquiring means.

[0024] According to the present invention, when the material image
imitated by the mosaic image changes to another material image, it is
possible to generate a mosaic image without defect portions.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0025] The invention according to claim 5 is the image generation device
according to claim 3 or claim 4,

[0026] wherein the color information acquiring means acquires color
information of differing areas which are the divided areas comprising a
difference in color between a non-source image which is the material
image which is not used as the source image among the plurality of
material images, and the source image, and

[0027] the mosaic image generating means generates a mosaic image for
which the non-source image is used as a new source image by allocating
the image acquired by the acquiring means to one of the differing areas
of one of the non-source images based on color information of the image
acquired by the acquiring means and color information of the differing
areas acquired by the color information acquiring means, and using images
allocated to the differing areas of the non-source image in which images
are allocated to all of the differing areas and images allocated to the
divided areas other than the differing areas in the source image.

[0028] According to the present invention, images allocated to all divided
areas having different colors between material images which are not
currently source images of mosaic images and a material image which is
used as a source image of a mosaic image, so that a mosaic image is
generated using images allocated thereto and the image used to generate
the mosaic image which imitates the material image which is currently
used as the source image. Hence, it is not necessary to allocate images
to all divided areas of the material image when the material which is the
source image of the mosaic image is changed. Consequently, it is possible
to more quickly change a mosaic image than when images are allocated to
all divided areas of the material image, so that it is possible to
encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0029] The invention according to claim 6 is the image generation device
according to one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising:

[0030] an order information acquiring means that acquires order
information indicating a display order of each of the material images;
and

[0031] a mosaic image transmitting means that transmits display
information for displaying the mosaic image generated by the mosaic image
generating means, to the terminal device through the network according to
an order matching the display order of the material images which are used
as source images of mosaic images displayed based on the display
information.

[0032] According to the present invention, the material image imitated by
the mosaic image displayed on the terminal device changes according to
the order indicated by order information. Consequently, it is possible to
change the material image imitated by the mosaic image, based on an
intension of a person who provides a mosaic image.

[0033] The invention according to claim 7 is the image generation device
according to one of claims 1 to 6,

[0034] further comprising a deciding means that decides whether or not
there are the divided areas which are suitable to allocate the image
acquired by the acquiring means, based on color information of the image
acquired by the acquiring means and color information of each of the
divided areas,

[0035] wherein the mosaic image generating means does not use an image for
which the deciding means decides that there is no suitable divided area
to allocate to generate a mosaic image, and does not include a number of
images for which the deciding means decides that there is no suitable
divided area to allocate, in the number of images acquired by the
acquiring means.

[0036] According to the present invention, even when the image acquired
from the terminal device is not suitable for any divided area, this image
is not used to generate a mosaic image. Consequently, a mosaic image
which more faithfully imitates the material image is generated, so that
it is possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing
the mosaic image.

[0037] The invention according to claim 8 is the image generation device
according to one of claims 1 to 7,

[0038] wherein the mosaic image generating means preferentially allocates
an image to the divided areas comprising an outline image showing an
outline of the material image.

[0039] According to the present invention, the images acquired from the
terminal device are preferentially allocated to divided areas including
images showing the outline of the material image. Consequently, the user
can learn the material image imitated by the mosaic image at a
comparatively early stage.

[0040] The invention according to claim 9 is the image generation device
according to one of claims 1 to 8,

[0041] wherein the acquiring means acquires an image to be posted, and
identification information of a user who posts the image, from the
terminal device, and

[0042] the image generation device further comprises an assigning means
that, when the mosaic image generating means allocates the image acquired
by the acquiring means, to the divided area through which a point is set
to be assigned, updates point count information by adding a number of
assigning points to a number of points indicated by the point count
information matching the identification information acquired by the
acquiring means among the point count information stored in a point count
information memory means that associates and stores the point count
information indicating a number of points held by the user, and the
identification information of the user.

[0043] According to the present invention, when images are allocated to
divided areas set in advance, points are assigned to users who have
posted these images. Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's
motivation of posting images. Consequently, the resolution of a mosaic
image and a material image imitated by the mosaic image are expected to
change quickly, so that it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0044] The invention according to claim 10 is the image generation device
according to one of claims 1 to 9,

[0045] wherein the acquiring means acquires an image to be posted by a
user from a terminal device, and

[0046] the image generation device further comprises:

[0047] a mosaic image transmitting means that transmits display
information for displaying the mosaic image generated by the mosaic image
generating means, to the terminal device through a network,

[0048] a receiving means that receives request information which is
transmitted from the terminal device when the user selects an image
included in a mosaic image displayed on the terminal device based on the
display information, and which indicates a request of a profile of the
user who posts the selected image, and

[0049] a profile information transmitting means that transmits profile
information which shows the profile of the user matching the request
information received by the receiving means, to the terminal device which
is a transmission source of the request information.

[0050] According to the present invention, the user who browses the mosaic
image can acquire a profile of a user who has posted the image included
in the displayed mosaic image. Consequently, it is possible to encourage
user's motivation of browsing the mosaic image.

[0051] The invention according to claim 11 is the image generation device
according to one of claims 1 to 10,

[0052] further comprising a memory means that stores the image acquired by
the acquiring means,

[0053] wherein, after generating the mosaic image, the mosaic image
generating means generates a new mosaic image by changing at least one of
a number of the divided areas and the material image in response to an
increase in a number of images stored by the memory means.

[0054] The invention according to claim 12 is an image generation method
in an image generation device which generates a mosaic image using as a
source image a material image divided into a plurality of divided areas,

[0055] the image generation method comprising:

[0056] an acquiring step of acquiring an image from a terminal device
through a network;

[0057] a first mosaic image generating step of generating a mosaic image
by allocating the image acquired in the acquiring step, to one of the
divided areas based on color information of the image acquired in the
acquiring step and color information of each of the divided areas of the
material image used as the source image; and

[0058] a second mosaic image generating step of, after the mosaic image is
generated in the first mosaic image generating step, generating a new
mosaic image by changing at least one of a number of the divided areas
and the material image in response to an increase in a number of images
acquired in the acquiring step.

[0059] The invention according to claim 13 is an image generation program
causing a computer included in an image generation device which generates
a mosaic image using as a source image a material image divided into a
plurality of divided areas, to execute:

[0060] an acquiring step of acquiring an image from a terminal device
through a network;

[0061] a first mosaic image generating step of generating a mosaic image
by allocating the image acquired in the acquiring step, to one of the
divided areas based on color information of the image acquired in the
acquiring step and color information of each of the divided areas of the
material image used as the source image; and

[0062] a second mosaic image generating step of, after the mosaic image is
generated in the first mosaic image generating step, generating a new
mosaic image by changing at least one of a number of the divided areas
and the material image in response to an increase in a number of images
acquired in the acquiring step.

[0063] The invention according to claim 14 is a recording medium having a
computer-readable image generation program recorded therein which causes
a computer included in an image generation device which generates a
mosaic image using as a source image a material image divided into a
plurality of divided areas, to execute:

[0064] an acquiring step of acquiring an image from a terminal device
through a network;

[0065] a first mosaic image generating step of generating a mosaic image
by allocating the image acquired in the acquiring step, to one of the
divided areas based on color information of the image acquired in the
acquiring step and color information of each of the divided areas of the
material image used as the source image; and

[0066] a second mosaic image generating step of, after the mosaic image is
generated in the first mosaic image generating step, generating a new
mosaic image by changing at least one of a number of the divided areas
and the material image in response to an increase in a number of images
acquired in the acquiring step.

Effects of Invention

[0067] According to the present invention, the mosaic image is generated
based on images acquired from the terminal device, and the terminal
device further acquires images, so that the number of acquired images
increases afterward. Further, a new mosaic image is generated by changing
at least one of the number of divided areas and the material image of the
previously generated image in response to an increase in the number of
acquired images. By this means, the resolution of the newly generated
mosaic image and the material image imitated by the newly generated
mosaic image change from the previously generated mosaic image.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
continuously browsing the mosaic image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0068]FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of a schematic
configuration of an information providing system including an information
providing device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0069]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic
configuration of the information providing device 1 according to an
embodiment.

[0072]FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a method of dividing a
material image.

[0073]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where, when the
quantity of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 is 99, a
material image is divided into a plurality of divided areas a size of
which is set according to the quantity of the posting images stored in
the posting image DB 141.

[0074]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where, when the
quantity of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 is 986, a
material image is divided into a plurality of divided areas a size of
which is set according to the quantity of the posting images stored in
the posting image DB 141.

[0075]FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by a system
control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the posting
image DB 141 is 99.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 is 986.

[0077] FIG. 10A illustrates a specific example of information stored in
the material image DB 142, and FIG. 10B is a view illustrating an example
of information set to material image information.

[0079]FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the
information providing device 1 matching a request of the user terminal
2-k according to an embodiment.

[0080]FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to an embodiment upon reception of a posting image.

[0081]FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to an embodiment upon reception of a posting image.

[0082]FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a processing example in point
processing of the system control unit 15 of the information providing
device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0083]FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a processing example in mosaic image
generation processing of the system control unit 15 of the information
providing device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0084]FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on a display of
a display unit 22.

[0085] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a screen example displayed in a
window screen which shows on the display of the display unit 22 a web
page which displays mosaic images generated immediately before and mosaic
images of a low resolution generated in the past based on the same
material image as the mosaic images.

[0086]FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

[0089]FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where the
material image is divided into 99 divided areas when a type of the
material image is "apple".

[0090]FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where the
material image is divided into 986 divided areas when the type of the
material image is "horse".

[0091]FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 is 99.

[0092]FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 is 986.

[0093]FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the
information providing device 1 matching a request of the user terminal
2-k according to an embodiment.

[0094]FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

[0095] FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example where, when the number of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 increases according to
a condition displayed in a display image information display portion 85
and approximates to the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored which is
associated with a material image and stored, a mosaic image based on a
material image associated with the quantity of the posting
images-to-be-stored is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0096]FIG. 29 is a view illustrating an example where the number of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 increases according to
a condition displayed on a display image information display portion 93,
a stored material image is extracted according to the quantity and
representative color information of specific posting-images-to-be-stored
which is associated with the material image and stored, and a mosaic
image based on the material image is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0097] FIG. 30 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to an embodiment upon reception of a posting image.

[0098]FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to an embodiment upon reception of a mosaic image page request.

[0099]FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

[0100]FIG. 33 is a view illustrating a processing example in point
processing of the system control unit 15 of the information providing
device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0103]FIG. 36A illustrates a specific example of information stored in
the material image DB 142 when a display order of a material image is the
first, and FIG. 36B illustrates a specific example of information stored
in the material image DB 142 when the display order of the material image
is the second or below.

[0104]FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where a first
material image is divided into 986 divided areas when the first material
image shows "a closed state of a flip mobile telephone".

[0105]FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where one of
second material images is divided into 986 divided areas when the second
material image shows "a closed state of a flip mobile telephone changes
to a slightly opened state".

[0106]FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where one of
second material images is divided into 986 divided areas when the second
material image shows "a slightly opened state of a flip mobile telephone
changes to a more opened state".

[0107]FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where one of
second material images is divided into 986 divided areas when the second
material image shows "an opened state of a flip mobile telephone".

[0108]FIG. 41 is a view illustrating an example of a display order of
each material image 3-m.

[0109]FIG. 42 is a view illustrating a difference area 4-2 in a material
image 3-2.

[0110]FIG. 43 is a view illustrating a difference area 4-3 in a material
image 3-3.

[0111]FIG. 44 is a view illustrating an example of a mosaic image 5-1
when the material image 3-1 showing the closed state of the flip mobile
telephone is a source image.

[0112] FIG. 45 is a view illustrating an example where mosaic images are
updated.

[0113]FIG. 46 is a view illustrating an example of a mosaic image 5-n for
which the material image 3-n showing the opened state of the flip mobile
telephone is used as a source image.

[0114]FIG. 47 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to an embodiment upon reception of a posting image.

[0115]FIG. 48 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to an embodiment upon reception of a posting image.

[0116]FIG. 49 is a view illustrating a processing example in mosaic image
difference updating processing of the system control unit 15 of the
information providing device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0117] FIG. 50 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

[0118]FIG. 51 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0119] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described
with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiments will be
described below where the present invention is applied to an information
providing device 1.

First Embodiment

[0120] First, a configuration and an outline of a function of an
information providing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention will be described using FIG. 1.

[0121]FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of an outline of
configuration of an information providing system including the
information providing device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information providing device 1 and a
plurality of user terminals 2-k (k=1 and 2 to n) (an example of a
terminal device) can transmit and receive data to and from each other
using, for example, TCP/IP for a communication protocol through a network
NW. In addition, the network NW is constructed with, for example,
Internet, a dedicated communication line (for example, CATV (Community
Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including, for
example, base stations) and a gateway.

[0123] With this configuration, the information providing device 1 is, for
example, a web server which is installed to run an information providing
site which provides various pieces of information and services. This
information providing device 1 transmits to a user terminal 2-k a web
page according to a HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) request from the
user terminal 2-k. Further, the user terminal 2-k displays, for example,
the received web page on a window screen shown on a display by means of a
web browser. On the web page displayed in this way, content information
is displayed which shows, for example, an outline of a product or service
or announces a campaign of this product or service.

[0124] Further, a mosaic image is displayed together with or in
association with the content information (for example, displayed on a web
page of a link source of the content information).

[0125] Although a mosaic image belongs to a common technique and will not
be described in detail, such a mosaic image is generated by selecting a
material image (hereinafter, simply "material image") of a picture
(design) based on which the mosaic image is generated, dividing the
material image into a plurality of areas, extracting a plurality of
divided areas which approximate (are similar) to color information (for
example, chromaticity data such as RGB) of the divided areas
(hereinafter, simply "divided areas") and allocating the divided images
to the divided areas. This mosaic image is a synthetic image which
imitates a material image (which is generated based on a material image).
In addition, a material image based on which a mosaic image is generated
(which is a source of a mosaic image) is referred to as a "source image".

[0126] The mosaic image displayed on a web page is generated by acquiring
a material image from the user terminal 2-k, dividing the material image
into predetermined divided areas according to a quantity (hereinafter,
"the number of posts) of a plurality of items of stored image data
(hereinafter, simply "posting image"), and allocating the posting images
to the divided areas based on color information of each of the posting
images and color information of each of the divided areas of the material
image. A mosaic image is generated from, for example, posting images
posted by a plurality of users. Meanwhile, posting a posting image
includes that a user operates the user terminal 2-k to transmit the
posting image provided by the user from the user terminal 2-k to the
information providing device 1.

[0127] In addition, although one information providing device 1 is
illustrated with an example in FIG. 1 for ease of description, there may
be multiple information providing devices 1. Further, there are a
plurality of user terminals 2-k per user.

[0128]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an outline of
configuration of the information providing device 1 according to the
present embodiment.

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information providing device 1 has a
communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a memory
unit 14 (an example of a memory means and a point count information
memory means), an input/output interface unit 17 and a system control
unit 15 (an acquiring means, a memory means, a color information
acquiring means, a mosaic image generating means, a deciding means, an
assigning means, a mosaic image transmitting means, a receiving means and
profile information transmitting means). Further, the system control unit
15 and the input/output interface unit 17 are connected through a system
bus 16.

[0130] The communication unit 11 connects to the network NW, and controls
communication with the user terminal 2-k.

[0131] Further, with the present embodiment, the communication unit 11
functions as an interface of connecting to the network NW, and acquiring
a posting image transmitted from the user terminal 2-k.

[0132] The display unit 12 has a display for displaying, for example, the
acquired data.

[0133] The operation unit 13 has, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.

[0134] The memory unit 14 employs a configuration including, for example,
a hard disc drive, and stores various programs such as an operating
system and a data extracting program. In addition, the various programs
(including an image generation program according to the present
invention) may be recorded in a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital
Versatile Disc) and read through a drive device.

[0136] In addition, these databases may be constructed in a database
server which manages databases. In this case, the information providing
device 1 may be configured as a server group configured to include the
database server and other servers.

[0137] Meanwhile, the posting image DB 141, the material image DB 142 and
the mosaic image DB 143 constructed in the memory unit 14 will be
described in association with FIG. 3.

[0140] Further, in the posting image DB 141, the stored posting images and
information described below and related to the posting images (for
example, a profile of a person who is shown in a posting image such as a
name, a hometown and a hobby, and a URL related to the profile) may be
associated and stored.

[0141] Furthermore, in the posting image DB 141, the stored posting images
and color information of the stored posting images may be associated and
stored. The color information refers to a value obtained by adopting, for
example, known RGB conversion and quantizing a color indicated by the
posting image, and is calculated by the system control unit 15 described
below.

[0142] Although this RGB conversion is a known technique and will not be
described in detail, the system control unit 15 dissolves pixel data
configuring a posting image, into R (Red), G (Green) and B (Blue)
components per pixel, and quantizes each component with 256 tones. The
quantized pixel data is represented by, for example, equation 1.

(R=0 to 255, G=0 to 255 and B=0 to 255) Equation (1)

[0143] Further, all items of pixel data configuring a posting image are
quantized to calculate RGB conversion results. That is, color information
is a set of pieces of information of R, G and B of each pixel of a
posting image.

[0144] In addition, a method of quantizing a color shown by a posting
image is by no means limited to the RGB conversion, and, for example, may
adopt CMYK color conversion or Lab color conversion. In addition,
depending on a format of image data of a posting image transmitted from
the user terminal 2-k, information of pixels has in some cases been
quantized already. In this case, the system control unit 15 only needs to
acquire color information of the image data.

[0145]FIG. 4A illustrates a specific example of information stored in the
posting image DB 141. In the posting image DB 141, posting images used to
generate mosaic images are stored. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in the
posting image DB 141, a posting image number, a posting image, a user ID
and color information are associated per posting image and stored. The
posting image number indicates an order at which an associated posting
image is posted. The posting image number is assigned to each posting
image in order from the first. The user ID is identification information
of a user who posts a posting image.

[0146] In the material image DB 142, material images are stored (FIG. 3B).
These material images are image data showing pictures and designs based
on which mosaic images are generated, and are converted into formats such
as JPEG, TIFF or PNG and stored.

[0147] Further, the material images may be stored in the material image DB
142 in advance or read from the material images stored in an information
recording medium such as a USB memory through an interface unit which is
not illustrated. Furthermore, the material images transmitted from the
user terminal 2-k may be acquired through the communication unit 11 and
stored. When the user operates the user terminal 2-k to transmit a
posting image which is a material image, to the information providing
device 1, the user can browse a mosaic image which the user desires.

[0148]FIG. 4B illustrates a specific example of information stored in the
material image DB 142. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in the material image
DB 142, a material image ID and a material image are associated per
material image and stored. The material image ID is identification
information of the associated material image.

[0150] The mosaic image displayed on the web page is described in, for
example, a tag in a HTML sentence (for example, <div style> to
</div> using a common style sheet).

[0151] More specifically, a position allocated to which a posting image
stored in the posting image DB 141 is specified for each posting image
between <div style> and </div> in the range encircled by
<TABLE border="1"> to </TABLE>. That is, a mosaic image is
represented as a table described using, for example, HTML. Each cell
indicated by a td tag set between a table start tag and a table end tag
(or between <div style> and </div>) corresponds to each
divided area of a material image. Further, a posting image allocated to a
divided area is an element of a cell corresponding to this divided area.

[0152] Furthermore, an interface for transmitting (uploading) the posting
image to the information providing device 1 may be described in the HTML
sentence using, for example, a CGI program.

[0153] Still further, in the HTML sentence, a link is set for acquiring
and displaying a web page which displays the posting image and
information (hereinafter, "posting image related information") related to
the posting image to, when, for example, the user terminal 2-k performs
an operation of selecting a posting image, acquire the web page which
displays the posting image and information related to the posting image,
from the information providing device 1. The posting image related
information includes, for example, a brief profile of a user who has
posted a posting image.

[0154] This web page is generated by referring to, for example,
information related to association of a posting image stored in the
posting image DB 141 and information related to the posting image.

[0155] Although the posting image selecting operation refers to, for
example, clicking a posting image embedded in the mosaic image by a
user's operation of a mouse, the posting image selecting operation is by
no means limited to this, and refers to, for example, selecting
(pressing) the posting image by the finger or a touch pen when the
posting image is displayed on, for example, a display having a touch
panel. In other words, the posting image selecting operation refers to an
operation of selecting one posting image which is part of images in a
mosaic image displayed on a web page and configures the mosaic image.

[0156] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, in the mosaic image DB
143, a URL (for example, http://www.yyy.zzz/zzz.html) of the posting
image and information (posting image related information) related to the
posting image, and a file name indicating the embedded posting image are
associated and stored. Further, in the HTML sentence, when the operation
of selecting the posting image is performed, the file is acquired, a
command for setting a link to display the posting image such as <a
href="http://www.yyy.zzz/zzz.html"><img src="file name indicating
posting image"></a> is described.

[0157]FIG. 4C illustrates a specific example of information stored in the
mosaic image DB 143. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, in the mosaic image DB
143, a mosaic image ID and a mosaic image are associated per mosaic image
and stored. The mosaic image ID is identification information of the
associated mosaic image. A command for setting the link is set between a
td start tag and a td end tag indicating cells of the table.

[0158] In addition, in the memory unit 14, a user information DB may be
constructed. In the user information DB, information related to each user
is stored. More specifically, in the user information DB, a user ID, a
password, a user name, a date of birth, the sex, a hometown, a telephone
number, an electronic mail address, the number of holding points, a hobby
and a profile URL are stored per user. The user ID is identification
information of the associated user. The number of holding points refers
to the total number of points which the user currently holds. The user
can utilize points which the user holds, at, for example, a predetermined
website. When, for example, a user purchases a product using, for
example, a shopping site, the user can pay by points instead of paying
money. In addition, the number of holding points is an example of point
count information according to the present invention.

[0159] The profile URL is a URL of a web page which displays a detailed
profile of the user. In addition, posting image related information
includes, for example, a brief profile of a user who has posted a posting
image. Further, the posting image related information also includes a
profile URL. The profile included in posting image related information
corresponds to, for example, information stored in the user information
DB, and may be, for example, information related to a user or information
which introduces the user.

[0160] User information registered in the user information DB is, for
example, information inputted by the user for user registration. In the
user information DB, information of users who only browse mosaic images
without posting images may not be registered.

[0161] The memory unit 14 stores the current number of posts. A default
value of the number of posts is 0.

[0162] Back to FIG. 2, the input/output interface unit 17 is a processing
unit which performs interface processing between the communication unit
11, the display unit 12, the operation unit 13 and the memory unit 14,
and the system control unit 15.

[0163] The system control unit 15 has, for example, a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) 15a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 15b and a RAM (Random
Access Memory) 15c, and generates a mosaic image.

[0164] Hereinafter, an operation of the system control unit 15 according
to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0165] The system control unit 15 according to the present embodiment
first divides a material image stored in the material image DB 142 into a
plurality of divided areas a size of which is set according to the
quantity of posting images (hereinafter, "the number of posts") stored in
the posting image DB 141. This division is performed every time the
information providing device 1 acquires a new posting image from one of
the user terminals 2-k, that is, every time the number of posts
increases.

[0166] In addition, the divided areas according to the present embodiment
are provided such that the material image is divided into the same number
of images as the quantity of the posting image and the size of each
divided area is equal. That is, the system control unit 15 divides the
material image into the same number of divided areas as the number of
posting images (hereinafter, "the number of posts") acquired from the
user terminal 2-k and stored in the posting image DB 141. Meanwhile, the
number of divided areas when a material image is divided into divided
areas is "the number of divisions". Hence, the size of these divided
areas becomes small in inverse proportion to an increase in the quantity
of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141, and, further, the
quantity of the divided areas increases in proportion to an increase in
the quantity of the posting images stored in the posting image DB 141.

[0167]FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a method of dividing a
material image. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the number of posts is 1,
one divided area is set. That is, when there is one posting image, a
mosaic image is generated using one posting image. In addition, although
a mosaic image is configured with a plurality of posting images, an image
configured only with one posting image is also referred to as a mosaic
image for ease of description.

[0168] When the number of posts increases to 2, a material image is, for
example, divided into two vertically or horizontally. Next, when the
number of posts increases to 3, a material image is divided into three.
When the material image is divided into three, the material image cannot
be divided into a balanced grid pattern. In this case, when, for example,
a material image is divided into two vertically, one of the two divided
areas is further divided into two. As described above, there are a case
where the number of divisions is a prime number and therefore a material
image cannot be divided into a balanced grid pattern or a case where a
material image is divided into a balanced grid pattern and therefore the
ratio of the number of divided areas in a vertical direction and the
number of divided areas in a horizontal direction becomes far from 1 to 1
(for example, when the number of divisions is 22, 2 in the vertical
direction×11 in the horizontal direction holds). In this case,
division is performed such that the ratio of the number of divided areas
in the vertical direction and the number of the divided areas in the
horizontal direction becomes close to 1 to 1 and the size of each divided
area (display area and the ratio in the longitudinal direction and the
horizontal direction) is similar as much as possible.

[0169] Next, when the number of posts increases to 4, a material image is
divided into four of two in the longitudinal direction and two in the
horizontal direction. Subsequently, division is performed in the same
manner.

[0170] Hereinafter, a relationship between the size and the quantity of
the divided areas of the material image will be described using FIGS. 6
and 7.

[0171]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where, when the
quantity of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 is 99, a
material image is divided into a plurality of divided areas a size of
which is set according to the quantity of the posting images stored in
the posting image DB 141.

[0172] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the quantity of posting images
stored in the posting image DB 141 is 99, a horse image 50 which is a
material image is divided into 99 divided areas 51.

[0173] Further, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where,
when the quantity of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 is
986, a material image is divided into a plurality of divided areas a size
of which is set according to the quantity of the posting images stored in
the posting image DB 141.

[0174] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the quantity of posting images
stored in the posting image DB 141 is 986, the horse image 50 which is a
material image is divided into 986 divided areas 61.

[0175] Back to description of FIG. 2, the system control unit 15 next
calculates color information of each posting image stored in the posting
image DB 141, and each divided area of the material image.

[0176] Although, for example, CMYK color conversion or Lab color
conversion may be adopted in addition to the above RGB conversion to
calculate color information, a case will be described below as an example
where RGB conversion is adopted.

[0177] To adopt RGB conversion of the posting images, RGB conversion
results (FIG. 3A) calculated in advance by the system control unit 15 and
associated with posting images and stored in the posting images DB 141
may be used, or may be calculated by the system control unit 15 where
necessary. More specifically, the RGB conversion results associated with
the posting images and stored are color information illustrated in FIG.
4A.

[0178] Color information in the divided areas is calculated by adopting
the above RGB conversion for pixel data in the divided areas using the
same method as a method of calculating color information of the posting
images. Meanwhile, color information of an image is information of a
color of each pixel forming an image. Hence, color information is
information indicating the image itself. Consequently, it is possible to
acquire color information from image data depending on an image format.
In this case, it is not necessary to calculate color information. In
addition, calculating color information is also an example of acquiring
color information.

[0179] Next, the system control unit 15 compares a RGB conversion result
of each of the posting images and a RGB conversion result in each of the
divided areas of the material image, and extracts the RGB conversion
result of the posting image indicating a result which approximates to the
RGB conversion result of each of the divided areas. For example, the
system control unit 15 calculates the similarity between a RGB conversion
result of the divided area and a RGB conversion result of the posting
image per divided area.

[0180] Various decision criteria can be adopted to decide whether or not
the RGB conversion result of each of the posting images and the RGB
conversion result of each of the divided areas approximate. When, for
example, a difference between a value indicated by the RGB conversion
result of each of the posting images and a value indicated by the RGB
conversion result of each of the divided areas is within a predetermined
threshold determined in advance, it may be decided that the RGB
conversion result of each of the posting images and the RGB conversion
result of each of the divided areas approximate. When, for example, the
calculated similarity is the threshold set in advance or more, the system
control unit 15 decides that the RGB results approximate. Thus, the
system control unit 15 decides that the divided area having color
information which approximates to color information of the posting image
is a divided area which is suitable to allocate the posting image.
Further, when there is no divided area having the calculated similarity
which is the threshold or more, the system control unit 15 decides that
there is no divided area which is suitable to allocate the posting image.
In this case, the system control unit 15 does not register this posting
image in the posting image DB 141. Hence, the posting image is not used
to generate a mosaic image.

[0181] Further, when deciding that the RGB conversion result of each of
the divided areas and the RGB conversion result of each of the posting
images approximate, the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image
based on the material image by allocating the posting image indicated by
the RGB conversion result of the posting image, to the divided area
indicated by the RGB conversion result of each of the divided areas. For
example, the system control unit 15 allocates a posting image to the
divided area of the highest similarity among divided areas having the
similarity equal to or more than the threshold. The system control unit
15 allocates each posting image stored in the memory unit 14, to the
divided areas. The number of posting images stored in the memory unit 14
and the number of divided areas are the same, and, when all posting
images are allocated to the divided areas respectively, the posting
images are allocated to all divided areas. Consequently, the system
control unit 15 can generate a complete mosaic image by generating the
mosaic image based on this allocation result. The complete mosaic image
is a mosaic image without portions (defect portions) to which posting
images are not allocated.

[0182] Hereinafter, mosaic image generation results will be described upon
comparison of FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0183]FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 is 99.

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the posting images which are decided to
approximate to each of the divided areas are allocated to 99 divided
areas, and a mosaic image 60 based on the horse image 50 is displayed.

[0185] Further, to a partially enlarged area 61 of the mosaic image 60,
posting images 62 to 70 are allocated.

[0186] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 is 986.

[0187] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the posting images which are decided to
approximate to each of the divided areas are allocated to 986 divided
areas, and a mosaic image 70 which imitates the horse image 50 is
displayed.

[0188] Further, to a partially enlarged area 71 of the mosaic image 70,
posting images 72 to 127 are allocated.

[0189] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the quantity of the posting
images stored in the posting image DB 141 is greater, a generated mosaic
image more faithfully imitates a material image.

[0190] More specifically, upon comparison of the mosaic image 60 and the
mosaic image 70, the mosaic image 70 more faithfully imitates the horse
image 50.

[0191] This is because, when the quantity of the posting images stored in
the posting image DB 141 is greater, a mosaic image is generated using a
greater number of posting images, so that the resolution of the mosaic
image becomes higher.

[0192] With the mosaic image generated in this way, when the quantity of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 increases, the
resolution of the mosaic image based on the material image improves, so
that the material image imitated by the mosaic image is visually learned
stepwise.

[0193] In addition, the system control unit 15 may generate a mosaic image
based on the material image by preferentially allocating the images to
divided areas showing the outline of the material image. The divided
areas showing an outline include, for example, images showing an outline
of a pattern, a figure or an object represented by a material image.

[0194] This will be described more specifically using FIG. 7. For example,
the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image by allocating posting
images to divided areas showing the outline of the horse illustrated in
FIG. 7, allocating posting images to divided areas showing the outline of
a person who rides on the horse and then allocating posting images to
divided areas inside the outline. Further, although, for example, the
system control unit 15 preferentially allocates posting images to divided
areas showing the outline of the horse, when color information of the
divided areas showing the outline of the horse does not approximate to
color information of the posting images, posting images may be allocated
to divided areas other than divided areas showing the outline of the
horse.

[0195] By generating a mosaic image in this way, the user who browses this
web page can browse the mosaic image which is completed from specific
portions set according to the priority while visually enjoying the mosaic
image. A method of extracting an outline from an image includes, for
example, a method of acknowledging portions at which a color
significantly changes as the outline. In addition, the method of
extracting an outline is known, and therefore will not be described in
detail.

[0196] In addition, points to be assigned to a user who has transmitted a
posting image may be associated with each of the divided areas and
stored. In this case, when allocating a posting image to a divided area
associated with the points and stored, the system control unit 15 assigns
points to the user who has transmitted the posting image. That is, when
dividing a material image into divided areas, the system control unit 15
determines divided areas through which points are assigned to the user
among a plurality of divided areas. Further, when allocating a posting
image to divided areas through which points are assigned upon generation
of a mosaic image, the system control unit 15 assigns points to a user
who has posted the allocated posting image. More specifically, the system
control unit 15 updates the number of holding points by adding the number
of assigning points such as the number of points set in advance to the
number of holding points stored in the user information DB.

[0197] With this configuration, it is possible to stimulate motivation of
a user who transmits a posting image to transmit more posting images and
encourage other users' motivation of repeatedly and continuously browsing
a mosaic image, and, consequently, provide an effect of attracting
guests.

[0198] Further, the system control unit 15 may associate the number
(hereinafter, simply "the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored") set
in advance as the number of images-to-be-stored, and a material image
divided into a plurality of divided areas having a size matching the
quantity, and store the number and the material image in the material
image DB 142 in advance (FIG. 3B). Meanwhile, the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored refers to the number of divisions.

[0199] More specifically, the system control unit 15 divides the material
image stored in the material image DB 142 such that the number of the
divided images is the same as the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored
and the size of each divided area is equal, and associates and stores the
material image and the quantity in the material image DB 142.

[0200] FIG. 10A illustrates a specific example of information stored in
the material image DB 142. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, in the material
image DB 142, a material image ID, a material image, the number of
division patterns and material image information are associated per
material image and stored. The number of division patterns is information
how many patterns of the number of divisions there are for the associated
material image. For example, the numbers of divisions for a given
material image include 99 and 986. In this case, the number of division
patterns is set to 2. In addition, the number of division may be set to 3
or more.

[0201] The material image information relates to the number of divisions
and divided areas per division pattern. A number of pieces of material
image information indicated by the number of division pattern are stored.
FIG. 10B illustrates an example of information set to material image
information. As illustrated in FIG. 10B, for material image information,
the number of divisions and color information are set. A number of pieces
of color information indicated by the associated number of divisions are
set.

[0202] The color information is color information of one associated
divided area among divided areas divided from a material image. As
described above, the color information is information indicating an image
itself. Hence, the color information of a divided area is a material
image divided into a plurality of divided areas.

[0203] Further, the system control unit 15 compares the quantity of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 and the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored. Further, the system control unit 15 may
generate a mosaic image based on the material image by, when the quantity
of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 approximates to the
quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored, extracting a material image
stored in the material image DB 142 in association with the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored, and allocating the stored posting images to
a divided area matching the extracted material image. That is, the system
control unit 15 extracts color information of each divided area matching
the number of divisions which approximates to the current number of
posts, from the material image DB 142.

[0204] Various decision criteria can be adopted to decide whether or not
the quantity of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 and the
quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored approximate. When, for example,
the difference between the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 and the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored is
within a predetermined threshold set in advance, it may be decided that
the quantity of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 and the
quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored approximate.

[0205] Further, the system control unit 15 compares the current number of
posts and each number of divisions stored in the material image DB 142.
Furthermore, the system control unit 15 selects the number of divisions
closest to the current number of posts among the numbers of divisions
indicating values equal to or more than the current number of posts. For
example, the numbers of divisions for a given material image include 99
and 986. In this case, when the number of posts is 1 or more and 99 or
less, 99 is selected for the number of divisions. Further, when the
number of posts is 100 or more, 986 is selected for the number of
divisions.

[0206] With this configuration, upon (immediately before) generation of
the mosaic image, the system control unit 15 does not need to divide the
material image stored in the material image DB 142, into a plurality of
divided areas a size of which is set according to the quantity of posting
images stored in the posting image DB 141, so that it is possible to
improve a processing speed of the entire device.

[0207] Further, the system control unit 15 generates a web page which
displays the mosaic image according to a HTTP request from the user
terminal 2-k, and distributes the web page to the user terminal 2-k.

[0208] Next, a configuration and a function of the user terminal 2-k will
be described using FIG. 11.

[0210] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the user terminal 2-k has an operation
unit 21, a display unit 22, a communication unit 23, a drive unit 24, a
memory unit 25, an input/output interface unit 26 and a system control
unit 27. Further, the system control unit 27 and the input/output
interface unit 26 are connected through a system bus 28. For the user
terminal 2-k, for example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital
Assistant) or a mobile telephone is applied.

[0211] The operation unit 21 has, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.

[0212] The display unit 22 has a display for displaying, for example, web
pages.

[0213] The communication unit 23 connects to the network NW to control a
communication state with, for example, the information providing device
1. The drive unit 24 reads, for example, data from a disc DK(recording
medium) such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc),
and records, for example, data in the disc DK.

[0214] The memory unit 25 includes, for example, a hard disc drive, and
stores, for example, an operating system (O/S) and a web browser program.

[0215] The system control unit 27 has, for example, a CPU 27a, a ROM 27b
and a RAM 27c. Further, the system control unit 27 executes the web
browser program under execution of the operation system to display the
mosaic image on the web browser.

[0216] Furthermore, the system control unit 27 transmits the posting
images to the information providing device 1 through the communication
unit 23. Still further, the system control unit 27 can associate
information related to the posting images, with the posting images, and
transmit the information.

[0217] Next, an operation of an information providing system matching a
request of the user terminal 2-k according to the present embodiment will
be described using FIGS. 12 to 16.

[0218]FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the
information providing device 1 matching a request of the user terminal
2-k according to the present embodiment.

[0219] As illustrated in FIG. 12, a given user terminal 2-k such as a user
terminal 2-1 selects an image posted by a user. Then, the user terminal
2-1 transmits the selected image as a posting image to the information
providing device 1 (step S10). In this case, the user terminal 2-1
transmits a user ID of the user who has posted the image, to the
information providing device 1.

[0220] FIGS. 13 and 14 are views illustrating processing examples in
processing of the system control unit 15 of the information providing
device 1 according to the present embodiment upon reception of a posting
image. The processing upon reception of a posting image is started when
the information processing device 1 receives a posting image from the
user terminal 2-k.

[0221] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the system control unit 15 divides a
material image stored in the material image DB 142 into divided areas
corresponding to a current number of posts N+1 (step S101). In addition,
when a plurality of material images are stored in the material image DB
142, the system control unit 15 acquires, for example, a material image
set in advance.

[0222] Next, the system control unit 15 determines a divided area
(hereinafter, "point assigning area") through which points are assigned
to the user among the N+1 divided areas (step S102). For example, the
system control unit 15 may determine the point assigning area at random.
Further, the system control unit 15 may allocate the point assigning area
to a plurality of divided areas. In this way, the system control unit 15
sets in advance the divided areas to which points are assigned.

[0223] Next, the system control unit 15 allocates each posting image
already stored in the posting image DB 141, to the divided areas. First,
the system control unit 15 acquires color information of each posting
image already stored in the posting image DB 141, from the posting image
DB 141 (step S103). Subsequently, a posting image having a posting image
number m is referred to as a "posting image m".

[0224] Next, the system control unit 15 sets 1 to a divided area number i
(step S104). Subsequently, a divided area having a divided area number i
is referred to as a "divided area i". Next, the system control unit 15
decides whether or not the divided area number i is N+1 or less (step
S105). In this case, when deciding that the divided area number i is N+1
or less (step S105: YES), the system control unit 15 calculates color
information of the divided area i (step S106).

[0225] Next, the system control unit 15 calculates similarities of color
information of the divided area i and color information of posting images
1 to N, respectively (step S107). Next, the system control unit 15
selects a posting image of the highest similarity among the posting
images 1 to N (step S108). Next, the system control unit 15 updates the
divided area number i by adding 1 to the divided area number i (step
S109), and proceeds to step S105.

[0226] When deciding in step S105 that the divided area number is not N+1
or less (step S105: NO), the system control unit 15 selects the divided
area of the calculated highest similarity among the N+1 divided areas
(step S110).

[0227] Next, the system control unit 15 selects a posting image of the
highest similarity among the selected divided areas (step S111). Next,
the system control unit 15 allocates the selected posting image to the
selected divided area (step S112). For example, the system control unit
15 associates and stores an image number of the selected posting image
and a divided area number of the selected divided area, in the memory
unit 14. Next, the system control unit 15 executes point processing
described below (step S113).

[0228] Next, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not N divided
areas are selected (step S114). In this case, when deciding that the N
divided areas are not selected (step S114: NO), the system control unit
15 reselects the posting image of the calculated highest similarity for
each divided area which is not yet selected (step S115). In this case,
the system control unit 15 performs reselection by removing posting
images which have been already selected in step S111. Next, the system
control unit 15 selects the divided area having the highest similarity
with respect to the reselected posting image among divided areas which
are not yet selected (step S116). Next, the system control unit 15
proceeds to step S111.

[0229] By repeating processings insteps S111 to S116, the system control
unit 15 allocates posting images to divided areas prioritizing a
combination of higher similarities among possible combinations of divided
areas and posting images.

[0230] In step S114, when deciding that the N divided areas are selected,
(step S114: YES), the system control unit 15 allocates a currently
received posting image. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the system control
unit 15 calculates color information of the currently received posting
image (step S117). Next, the system control unit 15 selects a divided
area to which a posting image is not yet allocated among the N+1 divided
areas (step S118). Next, the system control unit 15 calculates the
similarity between color information of the received posting image and
color information of the selected divided area (step S119). Next, the
system control unit 15 decides whether or not the calculated similarity
is a threshold set in advance or more (step S120).

[0231] In this case, when deciding that the calculated similarity is not
the threshold or more (step S120: NO), the system control unit 15
transmits a posting rejection message to the user terminal 2-k which is
the transmission source of a posting image (step S121) and finishes
processing upon reception of a posting image. The posting rejection
message indicates that posting of a posting image is rejected. The user
terminal 2-k displays the received posting rejection message on the
display unit 22. In this case, the system control unit 15 does not
register the currently acquired posting image in the posting image DB
141. Further, in this case, the number of posting images which are not
registered in the posting image DB 141 among posing images received from
the user terminal 2-k is not included in the number of posts N.

[0232] By contrast with this, when deciding that the calculated similarity
is a threshold or more (step S120: YES), the system control unit 15
updates the number of posts N by adding 1 to the number of posts N (step
S122). Next, the system control unit 15 allocates the currently received
posting image to the selected divided area (step S123). Next, the system
control unit 15 registers the currently received posting image in the
posting image DB 141 (step S124). More specifically, the system control
unit 15 associates and stores the updated posting image number N, the
currently received posting image, a currently received user ID and color
information of the currently received posting image.

[0233] Next, the system control unit 15 executes point processing (step
S125). Next, the system control unit 15 executes mosaic image generation
processing described below (step S126). Next, the system control unit 15
transmits a posting completion message to the user terminal 2-k which is
the transmission source of the posting image (step S127), and finishes
processing upon reception of the posting image. The posting completion
message indicates that posting of a posting image is completed. The user
terminal 2-k displays the received posting completion message on the
display unit 22.

[0234]FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a processing example in point
processing of the system control unit 15 of the information providing
device 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15,
the system control unit 15 decides whether or not the selected divided
area is a point assigning area (step S131). In this case, when deciding
that the selected divided area is not a point assigning area (step S131:
NO), the system control unit 15 finishes point processing.

[0235] By contrast with this, when deciding that the selected divided area
is a point assigning area (step S131: YES), the system control unit 15
acquires a user ID associated with the posting image allocated to the
selected divided area, from the posting image DB (step S132). Next, the
system control unit 15 updates the number of holding points associated
with the acquired user ID (step S133). More specifically, the system
control unit 15 acquires the number of holding points associated with the
user ID from the user information DB. Next, the system control unit 15
updates the number of points by adding, for example, the number of points
set in advance to the acquired number of holding points. Next, the system
control unit 15 rewrites the number of holding points associated with the
acquired user ID and stored in the user information DB, to the updated
number of points. After finishing processing in step S133, the system
control unit 15 finishes the point processing.

[0236] In addition, in some cases, a posting image posted by the identical
user is allocated to the point assigning area a plurality of times. In
this case, the system control unit 15 may perform processing of assigning
points to the user only at the first time without assigning points at the
second and subsequent times.

[0237]FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a processing example in mosaic image
generation processing of the system control unit 15 of the information
providing device 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in
FIG. 16, the system control unit 15 generates data (hereinafter, "table
part data") in which a table having N cells is described by HTML (step
S151). Next, the system control unit 15 sets 1 to the divided area number
(step S152).

[0238] Next, the system control unit 15 selects the posting image
allocated to the divided area i (step S153). Next, the system control
unit 15 generates an img tag for in-line displaying the selected posting
image in the table in the web page (step S154).

[0239] Next, the system control unit 15 acquires the user ID of the user
who has posted the selected posting image, from the posting image DB 141
(step S155). Next, the system control unit 15 acquires user information
associated with the acquired user ID, from the user information DB (step
S156). Next, the system control unit 15 generates HTML document
(hereinafter, "posting image related information part data") for
displaying posting image related information, based on the acquired user
information (step S157). Next, the system control unit 15 generates an a
tag including a URL of the posting image related information (step S158).

[0240] Next, the system control unit 15 sets the generated img tag and a
tag to a cell corresponding to the divided area i among cells in the
table part data generated in step S151 (step S159). Next, the system
control unit 15 decides whether or not the divided area number i is less
than N (step S160). In this case, when deciding that the divided area
number i is less than N (step S160: YES), the system control unit 15
updates the divided area number i by adding 1 to the divided area number
i (step S161). Next, the system control unit 15 proceeds to step S153.

[0241] By contrast with this, when deciding that the divided area number i
is not less than N (step S160: NO), the system control unit 15 registers
table part data to which a tag is set, in the mosaic image DB as a mosaic
image (step S162). After finishing processing in step S162, the system
control unit 15 finishes mosaic image generation processing.

[0242] Back to description of FIG. 12, when the given user terminal 2-k
such as a user terminal 2-2 activates a web browser and transmits a HTTP
request from the system control unit 27 to the information providing
device 1 (step S1), the system control unit 15 generates a web page
configuring a mosaic image (a web page which displays the mosaic image)
according to this request (step S2) and distributes the web page to the
user terminal 2-2 (step S3). More specifically, the system control unit
15 acquires table part data (the latest table part data) which is finally
stored among table part data stored in the mosaic image DB 143, from the
mosaic image DB 143. Next, the system control unit 15 generates HTML
document including the table part data acquired as HTML document of the
web page which displays the mosaic image. Further, the system control
unit 15 transmits the generated HTML document to the user terminal 2-2.
In addition, the HTTP request transmitted in step S1 is referred to as a
"mosaic image page request". A web page configuring a mosaic image (more
specifically, HTML document of a web page configuring a mosaic image) is
an example of display information according to the present invention.

[0243] In addition, as described above, the mosaic image displayed on the
web page has an improved resolution of the mosaic image based on the
material image when the quantity of posting images stored in the posting
image DB 141 increases. Hence, the mosaic image displayed on the web page
generated according to a HTTP request from the user terminal 2-2 has a
different resolution according to the quantity of posting images stored
in the posting image DB 141 when the HTTP request is transmitted. Hence,
with this sequence, a posting image transmitted (step S10) from the user
terminal 2-k such as the user terminal 2-1 is received without limiting
the order in particular.

[0244] Back to description of FIG. 12, the system control unit 27 of the
user terminal 2-1 displays the web page configuring the acquired mosaic
image as the mosaic image in a window screen shown on the display of the
display unit 22 (step S4).

[0245] Hereinafter, a mosaic image shown on the display of the display
unit 22 will be described using FIG. 17.

[0246]FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

[0248] In addition, the posting image transmitting portion 132 is an
interface used to transmit a posting image from the user terminal 2-k to
the information providing device 1, and is realized by, for example, a
CGI program installed in the information providing device 1.

[0249] Further, the mosaic image 133 shows a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15. This mosaic image 133 is generated by being
embedded with the posting image as described above, and, in this posting
image, a link for acquiring the posting image and information related to
the posting image is set as described above.

[0250] An example of display indicating that such a link is set may
include that an outer frame of the posting image is highlighted (for
example, the outer frame is displayed with a thick line) in the mosaic
image 133. In addition, the display indicating that a link is set is by
no means limited to this, and, for example, the outer frame may be
displayed with a flash or may be not be displayed at all.

[0251] Further, when the operation unit 21 of the user terminal 2-k
performs an operation of selecting the posting image in the mosaic image
133 (for example, the posting image is clicked by the mouse of the
operation unit 21), the system control unit 15 distributes to the user
terminal 2-k a web page which displays the posting image and information
associated with the posting image and related to the posting image.

[0252] In the posting image related information display portion 134, the
posting image and information related to the posting image are displayed
on a so-called pop-up window as an example of the web page which displays
information related to the posting image.

[0253] More specifically, in the posting image related information display
portion 134, for example, a name, a hometown, a hobby and a URL which is
a hyperlink destination indicating a profile of a person shown by the
posting image are displayed. In addition, when, for example, the web page
130 is displayed and the user does not perform an operation of selecting
any posting image in the mosaic image 133, the posting image related
information display portion 134 is not displayed.

[0254] Similarly, when another posting image in the mosaic image 133 is
selected, the system control unit 15 distributes to the user terminal 2-k
a web page which displays the posting image and information associated
with the posting image and related to the posting image.

[0255] Back to description of FIG. 12, when the operation unit 21 of the
user terminal 2-k performs an operation of selecting a predetermined
posting image in the mosaic image 133 (this posting image is clicked)
(step S5: YES), the system control unit 27 transmits a HTTP request to
the information providing device 1 (step S6). This HTTP request requests
distribution of a web page which displays the posting image and
information associated with the posting image and related to the posting
image, to a user terminal.

[0256] The system control unit 15 which receives this HTTP request
acquires the web page which displays the posting image and information
associated with the posting image and related to the posting image (step
S7), and distributes the web page to the user terminal 2-k (step S8).
More specifically, the system control unit 15 acquires posting image
related information part data associated with a URL included in the HTTP
request, from the memory unit 14. Next, the system control unit 15
generates HTML document including the latest table part data stored in
the mosaic image DB 143 and the acquired posting image related
information part data as HTML document of a web page configuring a mosaic
image. Further, the system control unit 15 transmits the generated HTML
document to the user terminal 2-k. In addition, when the number of posts
is 0, a mosaic image, that is, table part data, is not generated. Hence,
in this case, the system control unit 15 transmits HTML document of a web
page which does not display a mosaic image. A web page which displays
information related to a posting image (more specifically, posting image
related information part data) is an example of profile information
according to the present invention.

[0257] In addition, when acquiring a posting image from the user terminal
2-k, the system control unit 15 may acquire information of a profile of a
user who has posted an image, from the user terminal 2-k. That is, the
system control unit 15 receives an input of the profile of the user when
the user posts an image. In this case, the system control unit 15
generates posting image related information part data based on
information of the received profile.

[0258] Further, the system control unit 27 of the user terminal 2-k
displays the web page which displays the posting image and information
associated with the posting image and related to the posting image, in
the window (the above posting image related information display portion
134) shown on the display of the display unit 22 (step S9). In addition,
the system control unit 15 may transmit only posting image related
information part data to the user terminal 2-k. In this case, the user
terminal 2-k displays posting image related information in the currently
displayed web page based on the received posting image related
information part data.

[0259] In addition, although a configuration has been employed with the
above embodiment where a web page which displays a mosaic image generated
immediately before (when a HTTP request is transmitted from the system
control unit 27 to the information providing device 1) is displayed as a
display screen, a web page which displays the above mosaic image of a low
resolution generated in the past based on the same material image as the
mosaic image may be displayed as the display screen in the window to be
compared.

[0260] In this case, in the material image DB 142, for example, a mosaic
image generated in the past is associated with a material image and
stored. Further, when the user terminal 2-k activates the web browser and
transmits a HTTP request from the system control unit 27 to the
information providing device 1, the system control unit 15 distributes to
the user terminal 2-k according to the request a mosaic image which is
generated according to the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 when the HTTP request is transmitted, and a web page
which displays a mosaic image generated in the past.

[0261] Furthermore, the system control unit 37 of the user terminal 2-k
displays the acquired web page in the window screen shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

[0262] Hereinafter, a screen example displayed in a window screen which
shows on the display of the display unit 22 a web page which displays
mosaic images generated immediately before and mosaic images of a low
resolution generated in the past based on the same material image as the
mosaic images will be described using FIG. 18.

[0263] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a screen example displayed in a
window screen which shows on the display of the display unit 22 a web
page which displays mosaic images generated immediately before and mosaic
images of a low resolution generated in the past based on the same
material image as the mosaic images.

[0264] As illustrated in FIG. 18, in a mosaic image display portion 142 of
a web page 141 configuring a mosaic image, a mosaic image 143 generated
immediately before and mosaic images 144 to 147 of the low resolution
generated in the past based on the same material image as the mosaic
image 143 generated immediately before are displayed. Further, the mosaic
images 143 to 147 are rotatably displayed by switch buttons 148 and 149.
Meanwhile, rotation means that the mosaic images 143 to 147 move on a web
page along a virtual circular orbit set on the web page. When, for
example, the user performs an operation of selecting the switch button
148, the mosaic images 143 to 147 move on the virtual circular orbit
clockwise. By contrast with this, when the user performs an operation of
selecting the switch button 149, the mosaic images 143 to 147 move on the
virtual circular orbit counterclockwise.

[0265] The user who browses this web page can visually learn the material
image imitated by the mosaic image stepwise comparing mosaic images.

[0266] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system
control unit 15 of the information providing device 1 generates a mosaic
image by acquiring a posting image from the user terminal 2-k through the
network, storing the acquired posting image in the posting image DB 141,
and allocating the acquired posting image to one divided area based on
color information of the acquired posting image and color information of
each divided area of a material image which is used as a source image,
and generates a new mosaic image by, after generating the mosaic image,
changing the number of divided areas in response to an increase in the
number of posts.

[0267] Hence, the resolution of the newly generated mosaic image changes
from the previously generated mosaic image. Consequently, it is possible
to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0268] Further, the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image by
allocating acquired posting images to divided areas of a material image
divided into a number corresponding to the number of posting images
stored in the posting image DB 141, and generates a mosaic image by
increasing the number of divided areas of the material image in
proportion to an increase in the number of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141.

[0269] Consequently, the resolution of a mosaic image to be generated
improves in proportion to an increase in the number of posts.
Consequently, a mosaic image which more faithfully imitates the material
image is generated in proportion to an increase in the number of posts,
so that it is possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously
browsing the mosaic image.

[0270] Further, it is possible to display in real time how a mosaic image
to be displayed dynamically changes in response to an increase in the
number of posting images, and encourage not only the same user but also
other users to continuously post images.

[0271] Furthermore, the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image by
allocating posting images to divided areas of a material image divided
into the same number of divided areas as the number of posts.

[0272] Consequently, it is possible to generate a complete mosaic image
without defect portions while improving the resolution in proportion to
an increase in the number of posts.

[0273] Further, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not there is
a divided area which is suitable to allocate an acquired posting image,
based on color information of the acquired posting image and color
information of each divided area, and the posting image DB 141 does not
use the posting image for which it is decided that there is no divided
area which is suitable to allocate to generate a mosaic image and does
not include in the number of posts the number of posting images for which
it is decided that there is no divided area which is suitable to
allocate.

[0274] Consequently, even when the posting image acquired by the user
terminal 2-k is not suitable for any divided area, this image is not used
to generate a mosaic image. Consequently, a mosaic image which more
faithfully imitates the material image is generated, so that it is
possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing the
mosaic image.

[0275] Further, when acquiring a posting image and a user ID of a user who
posts the posting image from the user terminal 2-k, and allocating the
posting image acquired from the user terminal 2-k to a point assigning
area, the system control unit 15 updates the number of holding points by
adding the number of assigning target points to the number of holding
points stored in the user information DB.

[0276] Consequently, when a posting image is allocated to the point
assigning area, points are assigned to a user who has posted this image.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of posting
images. Consequently, the resolution of a mosaic image and a material
image imitated by the mosaic image are expected to change quickly, so
that it is possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously
browsing the mosaic image.

[0277] Further, the system control unit 15 acquires a posting image posted
by a user, from the user terminal 2-k, transmits HTML document for
displaying a generated mosaic image to the user terminal 2-k, receives a
HTTP request transmitted from the user terminal 2-k when the user selects
a posting image included in the mosaic image displayed on the user
terminal 2-k based on the HTML document, and transmitting posting image
related information part data including a profile of the user associated
with a URL of the received HTTP request, to the user terminal 2-k which
is the transmission source of the HTTP request.

[0278] Consequently, the user who browses the mosaic image can acquire a
profile of a user who has posted the posting image included in the
displayed mosaic image. Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's
motivation of browsing the mosaic image.

[0279] Further, the system control unit 15 acquires a plurality of posting
images from a plurality of user terminals 2-k connected through the
network, stores a plurality of acquired posting images in the posting
image DB 141, divides a material image stored in the material image DB
142, into a plurality of divided areas a size of which is set according
to the quantity of posting images stored in the posting image DB 141,
applies RGB conversion to each posting image stored in the posting image
DB 141 and to the interior of each divided area of the material image,
compares a RGB conversion result of each posting image and a RGB
conversion result in each divided area of the material image, when
deciding that the RGB conversion result of the divided areas and the RGB
conversion result of the posting images approximate, allocates posting
images indicated by the RGB conversion result of the posting images, to
the divided areas indicated by the RGB conversion result of the divided
areas, generates a mosaic image based on the material image, generates a
web page which displays the mosaic image, and distributes the generated
web page to, for example, the user terminal 2-k which made an access
request, so that the resolution of the mosaic image based on the material
image improves in proportion to an increase in the quantity of posting
images to acquire, and the material image imitated by the mosaic image is
visually learned stepwise.

[0280] Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
repeatedly and continuously browsing a mosaic image, and provide an
effect of attracting guests. By this means, it is possible to secure a
lot of unique users and repeaters. Further, it is possible to expect a
sufficient effect of attracting guests at, for example, events.

[0281] With a conventional technique, although a mosaic image attracts
user's attention at a first glance for its uniqueness when the mosaic
image is used for an event or advertisement of a product, the mosaic
image represents an existing material image and does not have remarkable
uniqueness, and therefore it is difficult to acquire lots of unique users
and repeaters and expect a sufficient effect of attracting guests and
cost-benefit performance. Further, even when a mosaic image having high
visibility for a poster, a web page and the like is used, it is difficult
to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing a mosaic image
and it is not possible to expect a high effect of attracting guests.

[0282] Furthermore, the system control unit 15 divides a material image
stored in the material image DB 142 such that the number of material
images is the same as the number set in advance for the number of
images-to-be-stored and the size of each divided area is equal,
associates and stores the material image and the quantity in advance in
the mosaic image DB 143, when the quantity of posting images stored in
the posting image DB 141 approximates to the number set in advance as the
number of number images-to-be-stored, extracts the material image stored
in advance in the posting image DB 141 in association with the number set
in advance as the number of images-to-be-stored, allocates the stored
posting image to an associated divided area of the extracted material
image, and generates the mosaic image based on the material image, so
that it is not necessary to divide the material stored in the material
image DB 142 into a plurality of divided areas a size of which is set
according to the quantity of posting images stored in the posting image
DB 141 to generate the mosaic image, and it is possible to improve a
processing speed of an entire device.

[0283] Further, the system control unit 15 may allocate the posting images
to the divided areas according to a predetermined priority set in
advance, and generate the mosaic image based on the material image.

[0284] With this configuration, the user who browses this web page can
browse the mosaic image which is completed from specific portions set
according to the priority while visually enjoying the mosaic image.

[0285] In addition, instead of generating a mosaic image when the number
of posts is 1, the system control unit 15 may generate a mosaic image
after, for example, the number of posts becomes the number set in advance
or more. That is, the minimum number of divisions may be higher than 1.

[0286] Further, when the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored, that is,
the number of divisions of a material image, is set in advance, the
number of posts does not satisfy the number of divisions set in advance
in some cases (when, for example, the number of divisions is 99, the
number of posts is 98 or less). In this case, when, for example,
receiving the first posting image from the user terminal 2-k, the system
control unit 15 selects the number of divisions having a minimum value
among the numbers of divisions set in advance. Further, the system
control unit 15 generates table part data having a number of cells
indicated by the selected number of divisions. Furthermore, the system
control unit 15 allocates the received posting image to one divided area,
and sets, for example, an img tag for displaying the posting image to
cells corresponding to the divided areas to which the posting images are
allocated. Still further, the system control unit 15 generates HTML
document of a web page configuring a mosaic image using the table part
data to which a tag is set. Similarly, the system control unit 15 updates
the HTML document every time a posting image is received. Further, the
system control unit 15 transmits HTML document at the current point of
time when receiving a request of the web page configuring the mosaic
image from the user terminal 2-k.

[0287]FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22. The mosaic image 133 in the web page illustrated
in FIG. 19 is a mosaic image when the number of divisions of a material
image is 20. Further, nine posting images have been posted so far. As
illustrated in FIG. 19, posting images are embedded in 9 cells of 20
cells in the mosaic image 133. Cells in which posting images are not
embedded are blank. Further, point information 135 is displayed in a cell
corresponding to a point assigning area among cells in which posting
images are not embedded. The point information 135 indicates the number
of points to be assigned. When a posting image is embedded in the cell
which displays the point information 135, points are assigned to a user
who has posted the posting image. The user can select as a posting image
an image which fits to a cell which displays the point information 135
while predicting a material image (design) imitated by a mosaic image
from the mosaic image 133. In addition, the system control unit 15 sets a
text indicating the number of assigning points to a cell corresponding to
the point assigning area in, for example, mosaic image generation
processing to display the point information 135.

[0288] The system control unit 15 selects the number of divisions having
the second smallest value compared to the current number of divisions
when the number of posts exceeds the current number of divisions. Next,
the system control unit 15 generates table part data having a number of
cells indicated by the selected number of divisions. Next, the system
control unit 15 allocates each posting image already stored in the
posting image DB 141, to each the divided area. Further, the system
control unit 15 allocates the received posting image to one divided area
to which a posting image is not yet allocated every time a posting image
is received.

[0289] Furthermore, in this case, the system control unit 15 may allocate
a posting image preferentially to divided areas from which an outline is
extracted. Consequently, the user can learn the material image imitated
by the mosaic image at a comparatively early stage.

[0290] Although the number of posts and the number of divisions of a
material image are the same with the above embodiment, the number of
posts and the number of divisions may not be the same. The number of
divisions of a material image may increase in proportion to an increase
in the number of posts.

[0291] Further, when the number of divisions of a material image is set in
advance and the number of divisions is changed, the system control unit
15 may not reallocate posting images (posting images already stored in
the posting image DB 141) allocated to divided areas formed by dividing a
material image by the number of divisions before the change, to divided
areas formed by dividing a material image by the number of divisions
after the change. For example, the numbers of divisions includes 99 and
986. In this case, 100th to 1085th posting images are allocated to 986
divided areas formed by dividing a material image by 986.

[0292] Further, in this case, the system control unit 15 may generate a
web page such that, after the number of divisions is changed, a mosaic
image matching the number of divisions before the change and a mosaic
image matching the number of divisions after the change are overlaid and
displayed as the mosaic image 133 displayed on the web page. In this
case, the mosaic image matching the number of divisions before the change
is a background, and the mosaic image matching the number of divisions
after the change is a foreground. That is, in portions at which posting
images are yet not embedded in the mosaic image matching the number of
divisions after the change, the mosaic image matching the number of
divisions after the change is displayed. Further, the mosaic image
matching the number of divisions after the change comes closer to
completion in proportion to an increase in the number of posts, so that
the mosaic image matching the number of divisions before the change
gradually hides. In addition, the mosaic image matching the number of
divisions after the change may have reduced color (become
semi-transparent) and be displayed.

Second Embodiment

[0293] With a first aspect of the present embodiment, a mosaic image
displayed on a web page is generated by allocating posting images to
divided areas of the material image extracted according to the quantity
of a plurality of items of image data (hereinafter, simply "posting
images") acquired from a terminal device 2-k and stored or representative
color information of a color shown in the posting image, from the
material image divided into predetermined divided areas according to a
type of the material image and stored. Further, with a second aspect of
the present embodiment, a mosaic image displayed on a web page is
generated by allocating an image to one divided area of one material
image from a plurality of material images according to representative
color information of a posting image. Furthermore, a corresponding mosaic
image is displayed on a web page in order of material images for which
posting images are allocated to all divided areas (based on which a
mosaic image is completed) among a plurality of material images.

[0294] In addition, a configuration of a system, a configuration of an
information providing device 1 and a configuration of a user terminal 2-k
according to the present embodiment are basically the same as in the
first embodiment.

[0295] FIG. 20A to FIG. 20C illustrate tables illustrating information
stored in a posting image DB 141, a material image DB 142 and a mosaic
image DB 143 constructed in a memory unit 14. Content of information
stored in the mosaic image DB 143 may be the same as in the first
embodiment.

[0297] Further, in the posting image DB 141, the stored posting images and
information described below and related to the posting images (for
example, a profile of a person who is shown in a posting image such as a
name, a hometown and a hobby, and a URL related to the profile) may be
associated and stored.

[0298] Furthermore, in the posting image DB 141, the stored posting images
and color information of the stored posting images may be associated and
stored.

[0299] Still further, in the posting image DB 141, the stored posting
images and representative color information of the stored posting images
may be associated and stored.

[0300] Meanwhile, representative color information of a posting image is
directed to defining an impression of a color given by one posting image
as a whole by a specific color.

[0301] More specifically, representative color information of a posting
image is directed to, when, for example, a difference between a given
specific color component (for example, one of R, G and B) and other color
components in pixel data configuring the RGB-converted posting image is a
threshold set in advance or more, defining an impression of a color given
by the posting image as a whole as the specific color component. Hence,
the representative color information of the posting image is a color
indicated by the given specific color component.

[0302] More specifically, a case will be described as an example where
only a red apple picture is enlarged and displayed as a posting image.
When all items of pixel data configuring this posting image is
RGB-converted, the RGB-converted pixel data has a R value much higher
than G and B values. In this case, when the difference between the R
value, and the G and B values is a threshold set in advance or more, the
representative color information of the posting image is defined as R. In
addition, representative color information is an example of color
information according to the present invention. In addition, the system
control unit 15 may use information indicating a color obtained by
averaging colors of pixels in a posting image as representative color
information. Further, the system control unit 15 may use information
indicating a color which is the most frequently used in a posting image
as representative color information.

[0303]FIG. 21A illustrates a specific example of information stored in
the posting image DB 141. As illustrated in FIG. 21A, in the posting
image DB 141, a posting image number, a posting image, a user ID, color
information and representative color information are associated per
posting image and stored.

[0304] In the material image DB 142, a plurality of material images of
different types are stored (FIG. 20B). Meanwhile, different types of
material images mean that, for example, images which are content of the
material images are different. That is, a plurality of material images of
different types mean, for example, a plurality of material images of
different images. Further, different types of material images may mean
that, for example, types of a pattern, a figure and an object expressed
in material images are different.

[0305] Furthermore, the material images may be stored in the material
image DB 142 in advance or read from the material images stored in an
information recording medium such as a USB memory through an interface
unit which is not illustrated. Still further, the material images
transmitted from the user terminal 2-k may be acquired through a
communication unit 11 and stored.

[0306] Moreover, although described below, in the material image DB 142,
the number set in advance as the number of images-to-be-stored
(hereinafter, simply "the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored"), and
the material image divided into predetermined divided areas according to
the type of the material image are associated and stored (FIG. 20B).
Meanwhile, the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored refers to the
number of divisions.

[0307] In addition, although described below, in the material image DB
142, representative color information of the material image is associated
with the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored and the material image
divided into predetermined divided areas according to the type of the
material image, and stored (FIG. 20B).

[0308] The representative color information of a material image may be
directed to, when, for example, a difference between a given specific
color component and other color components in pixel data configuring the
RGB-converted posting image is a threshold set in advance or more,
defining an impression of a color given by the posting image as a whole
as the specific color component. Further, a user of the information
providing device 1 may define random representative color information.

[0309]FIG. 21B illustrates a specific example of information stored in
the material image DB 142. As illustrated in FIG. 21B, in the material
image DB 142, a material image ID, a material image, the number of
divisions, representative color information of the material image,
outline information, color information of each divided area and
representative color information of each divided area are associated per
material image and stored.

[0310] The number of divisions refers to the number of divided areas
matching the associated material image. The number of divisions is set in
advance by, for example, an administrator. The representative color
information of a material image indicates a representative color of the
entire associated material image. The outline information indicates
divided areas from which an outline is extracted among divided areas of
the associated material image. For the outline information, a divided
area number of, for example, each divided area from which an outline is
extracted is set. The numbers of pieces of color information of divided
areas and representative color information of the divided areas indicated
by the number of divisions are stored. The representative color
information of the divided areas indicates a representative color of the
divided areas. Further, in the material image DB 142, a point assigning
area information may be stored. The point assigning area information
indicates a divided area which is set as a point assigning area among
divided areas of the associated material image. In addition, for example,
a point assigning area may be selected by an administrator in advance, or
may be selected by the system control unit 15.

[0311] Hereinafter, an operation of a system control unit 15 according to
the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to
25.

[0312] The system control unit 15 according to the present embodiment
first divides a plurality of material images of different types stored in
the material image DB 142 into a plurality of divided areas a size of
which is set according to the type of the material image.

[0313] In addition, the divided areas according to the present embodiment
are provided such that the material image is divided by the quantity
matching the type of the material image and the size of each divided area
is equal. Hence, the size of these divided areas decreases in proportion
to an increase in the quantity matching the type of the material image.
Further, the quantity of the divided areas increases in proportion to an
increase of the quantity matching the type of the material image. For
example, this quantity is indicated by the number of divisions stored in
the material image DB 142.

[0314] Hereinafter, a relationship between the size and the quantity of
the divided areas of the material image will be described using FIGS. 22
and 23.

[0315]FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where the
material image is divided into 99 divided areas when a type of the
material image is "apple".

[0316] As illustrated in FIG. 22, an apple image 30 which is a material
image is divided into 99 divided areas 301.

[0317] Further, FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where
the material image is divided into 986 divided areas when the type of the
material image is "horse".

[0318] As illustrated in FIG. 23, a horse image 31 which is a material
image is divided into 986 divided areas 311.

[0319] In addition, processing of this system control unit 15 is performed
to assume in advance the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored and
prepare in advance the divided areas in which the posting images are
embedded.

[0320] Hence, the system control unit 15 prepares 99 divided areas in
which posting images need to be embedded when the type of the material
image is "apple", and 986 divided areas in which the posting images need
to be embedded when the type of the material image is "horse".

[0321] Further, the system control unit 15 associates and stores the
quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored (the number of divisions) and the
divided material images of different types (see FIGS. 22 and 23) in the
material image DB 142 (FIG. 20B).

[0322] More specifically, the system control unit 15 associates and stores
99 which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored and "apple" which
is the type of the material image when the type of the material image is
"apple". Further, the system control unit 15 associates and stores 986
which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored and "horse" which is
the type of the material image when the type of the material image is
"horse".

[0323] In addition, the system control unit 15 may associate and store the
representative color information of a color shown in each material image,
and the divided material images of different types with the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated and stored in the
material image DB 142.

[0324] More specifically, when the type of the material image is "apple",
if this material image is RGB-converted, the RGB-converted pixel data has
a R value much higher than G and B values. In this case, when the
difference between the R value, and the G and B values is a threshold set
in advance or more, the representative color information of the material
image is defined as R. In this case, "red" is defined and stored as
representative color information of "apple" which is the material image.

[0325] Similarly, when the type of the material image is "horse", "black"
is defined and stored as a result of the RGB conversion.

[0327] In addition, there may be a plurality of material images having the
same quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored, that is, the same number of
divisions, among material images stored in the material image DB 142.
Further, there may be a plurality of material images having the same
content of representative color information.

[0328] Furthermore, the system control unit 15 may calculate
representative color information of each divided area of a material
image, and associate and store the material image and representative
color information of each divided area in the material image DB 142.

[0329] Still further, an information providing device other than the
information providing device 1 may, for example, divide each material
image, calculate representative color information of each material image
and calculate representative color information of each divided area of
each material image in advance. Moreover, in the material image DB 142 of
the information providing device 1, representative color information of a
material image and representative color information of divided areas
calculated by another information providing device may be stored.

[0330] Next, with the first aspect of the present embodiment, the system
control unit 15 extracts a material image (hereinafter, simply "stored
material image") stored in the material image DB 142 according to the
quantity of posting images (hereinafter, simply "stored posting images")
stored in the posting image DB 141.

[0331] More specifically, the system control unit 15 compares the quantity
of stored posting images and the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored
which is associated with the material image and stored.

[0332] Further, when the quantity of stored posting images and the
quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated with the
material image and stored approximate, the system control unit 15
extracts the material image associated with the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored.

[0333] An example will be described using the stored material image (FIGS.
20 to 23) where, when deciding that the quantity of stored posting images
approximates to 99 which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored
which is associated with the material image and stored, the system
control unit 15 extracts "apple" as a material image. Further, when
deciding that the quantity of stored posting images approximates to 986
which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated
with the material image and stored, the system control unit 15 extracts
"horse" as a material image.

[0334] Various decision criteria can be adopted to decide whether or not
the quantity of stored posting images stored and the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored approximate. When, for example, the
difference between the quantity of stored posting images and the quantity
of posting-images-to-be-stored is within a predetermined threshold set in
advance, it may be decided that the quantity of stored posting images and
the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored approximate.

[0335] Further, the system control unit 15 may extract a stored material
image according to the quantity of posting images showing specific
representative color information among the stored posting images, and the
quantity and representative color information of specific
posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated with the material image
and stored.

[0336] More specifically, the system control unit 15 first calculates the
quantity of posting images per representative color information from the
stored posting image and representative color information of the posting
images.

[0337] Further, when the quantity of posting images calculated per
representative color information approximates to the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated with a material image and
stored, and representative color information shown by the posting image
and representative color information shown by the material image match,
the system control unit 15 extracts the stored material image associated
with the representative color information and the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored.

[0338] An example will be described using the stored material image (FIGS.
20 to 23) where, when the quantity of posting images shown by specific
representative color information among the stored posting images
approximates to 99 which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored
which is associated with the material image and stored, and specific
representative color information shown by the posting image indicates
"red" which is representative color information shown by the material
image, the system control unit 15 extracts "apple" as a material image.

[0339] Further, when the quantity of posting images shown by specific
representative color information among the stored posting images
approximates to 986 which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored
which is associated with the material image and stored, and specific
representative color information shown by the posting image indicates
"black" which is representative color information shown by the material
image, the system control unit 15 extracts "horse" as a material image.

[0340] The system control unit 15 next calculates color information of
each posting image stored in the posting image DB 141, and each divided
area of the extracted material image. Further, the system control unit 15
generates a mosaic image by allocating a posting image to one divided
area based on color information of the posting image and color
information of divided areas of a material image. In addition, these
processings are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0341] Hereinafter, mosaic image generation results will be described upon
comparison of FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0342]FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 is 99.

[0343] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the posting images which are decided to
approximate to each of the divided areas are allocated to 99 divided
areas, and a mosaic image 401 based on the apple image 30 which is the
material image is displayed.

[0344]FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a mosaic image generated by the
system control unit 15 when the quantity of posting images stored in the
posting image DB 141 is 986.

[0345] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the posting images which are decided to
approximate to each of the divided areas are allocated to 986 divided
areas, and a mosaic image 411 based on the horse image 31 is displayed.

[0346] With the mosaic image generated in this way, the type of the mosaic
image based on the material image changes according to the quantity of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141, and a material image
imitated by various mosaic images is visually learned, so that it is
possible to encourage user's motivation of repeatedly and continuously
browsing a mosaic image and provide an effect of attracting guests.

[0347] With the second aspect of the present embodiment, the system
control unit 15 allocates a posting image to one divided area of one or a
plurality of material images based on representative color information of
posting images and representative color information of each divided area
of a plurality of material images. Further, the system control unit 15
generates a mosaic image using as a source image the material image in
which posting images are allocated to all divided areas. Further, the
system control unit 15 displays the generated mosaic image on a web page
in the generation order.

[0348] More specifically, the system control unit 15 compares
representative color information of posting images and representative
color information of each divided area of the material image, and decides
divided areas of representative color information which approximates to
representative color information the posting images. Further, the system
control unit 15 allocates the posting images to the divided areas of
representative color information which approximates to the representative
color information of the posting images. The system control unit 15
performs such allocation for each material image. Hence, while one
posting image is not allocated to one of material images in some cases,
one posting image is allocated to a plurality of material images in some
cases. The system control unit 15 can more easily allocate posting images
to divided areas by using representative color information than by using
color information. Further, the system control unit 15 may allocate the
posting images to divided areas using color information instead of
representative color information.

[0349] The system control unit 15 allocates posting images to divided
areas every time a posting image is received from the user terminal 2-k.
By this means, when posting images are allocated to all divided areas for
one of a plurality of material images, a mosaic image is generated using
the material image as a source image. That is, the system control unit 15
generates a mosaic image using a posting image allocated to each divided
area of the material image in which posting images are allocated to all
divided areas. Further, the system control unit 15 displays the generated
mosaic image on the web page transmitted to the user terminal 2-k.

[0350] The system control unit 15 subsequently allocates posting images to
divided areas every time a posting image is received from the user
terminal 2-k. By this means, when posting images are allocated to all
divided areas for another material image, the system control unit 15
generates a mosaic image using the material image as a source image.
Further, the system control unit 15 displays a newly generated mosaic
image on the web page transmitted to the user terminal 2-k.

[0351] Next, an operation of an information providing system matching a
request of the user terminal 2-k according to the first aspect of the
present embodiment will be described using FIG. 26.

[0352]FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the
information providing device 1 matching a request of the user terminal
2-k according to the present embodiment.

[0353] As illustrated in FIG. 26, when the given user terminal 2-k such as
a user terminal 2-2 activates a web browser and transmits a HTTP request
from a system control unit 27 to the information providing server 1
(mosaic image page request) (step S21), and the system control unit 15
generates a web page configuring a mosaic image according to the request
(step S22), and distributes the web page to the user terminal 2-k (step
S23).

[0354] In addition, with the first aspect of the present embodiment, the
mosaic image displayed on the web page changes the type of the mosaic
image based on a material according to the quantity of posting images
stored in the posting image DB 141 (or representative color information
of the posting images). Hence, the type of the mosaic image displayed on
the web page generated according to a HTTP request from the user terminal
2-2 becomes different according to the quantity of posting images stored
in the posting image DB 141 when the HTTP request is transmitted. Hence,
with this sequence, a posting image transmitted (step S30) from the user
terminal 2-k such as a user terminal 2-1 is received without limiting the
order in particular.

[0355] Back to description of FIG. 26, the system control unit 27 of the
user terminal 2-k displays the web page configuring the acquired mosaic
image as the mosaic image in a window screen shown on a display of a
display unit 22 (step S24).

[0356] Hereinafter, a mosaic image shown on the display of the display
unit 22 will be described using FIG. 27.

[0357]FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22.

[0358] As illustrated in FIG. 27, a web page 150 configuring a mosaic
image displays an information display portion 151 which shows the content
information, a posting image transmitting portion 152 for transmitting a
posting image to the information providing device 1, a mosaic image 153
and a posting image related information display portion 154 which
displays the posting image and information related to the posting image.
In addition, content in the posting image transmitting portion 152 is the
same as in the posting image transmitting portion 132 according to the
first embodiment. Further, content of the mosaic image 153 is the same as
the mosaic image 133 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore,
content in the posting image related information display portion 154 is
the same as in the posting image related information display portion 134
according to the first embodiment.

[0359] Still further, with the first aspect of the present embodiment, the
display image information display portion 155 displays a condition that a
type of a mosaic image to be displayed changes. With the present
embodiment, although, if a posting image is further transmitted to the
information providing device 1 based on display of "If you send more
images, a picture will change!!", a change of the type of the mosaic
image to be displayed is promoted, this display is by no means limited to
this. For example, the number of posting images required to change the
type of the mosaic image to be displayed may be more specifically
displayed.

[0360] Further, when the posting image is further transmitted by the user
of the user terminal 2-k as described above and the quantity of stored
posting images and the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored which is
associated with the material image and stored approximate, the system
control unit 15 extracts the material image associated with the quantity
of posting-images-to-be-stored, allocates the posting images and
generates a mosaic image based on the material image.

[0361] Back to description of FIG. 26, when an operation unit 21 of the
user terminal 2-k performs an operation of selecting a predetermined
posting image in the mosaic image 153 (for example, this posting image is
clicked) (step S25: YES), a system control unit 27 transmits a HTTP
request to the information providing device 1 (step S26). This HTTP
request requests distribution of a web page which displays the posting
image and information associated with the posting image and related to
the posting image, to a user terminal.

[0362] The system control unit 15 which receives this HTTP request
acquires the web page which displays the posting image and information
associated with the posting image and related to the posting image (step
S27), and distributes the web page to the user terminal 2-k (step S28).
In addition, specific processing content of the system control unit 15 in
this case is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0363] Further, the system control unit 27 of the user terminal 2-k
displays the web page which displays the posting image and information
associated with the posting image and related to the posting image, in
the window (an above posting image related information display portion
184) shown on the display of the display unit 22 (step S29).

[0364] Further, when the system control unit 27 transmits the HTTP request
to the information providing server 1 (step S31) and the quantity of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 and the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated with the material image
and stored approximate, the system control unit 15 extracts the material
image associated with the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored.

[0365] Furthermore, the system control unit 15 allocates the posting image
to each divided area of the extracted material image to generate a mosaic
image based on the extracted material image as described above, generates
a web page configuring a mosaic image based on the material image (step
S32) and distributes the web page to the user terminal 2-k (step S33).

[0366] Hereinafter, a mosaic image shown on the display of the display
unit 22 will be described using FIG. 28.

[0367] FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example where, when the number of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 increases according to
a condition displayed in a display image information display portion 185
and approximates to the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored which is
associated with a material image and stored, a mosaic image based on a
material image associated with the quantity of the posting
images-to-be-stored is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0368] As illustrated in FIG. 28, a web page 160 configuring a mosaic
image displays, for example, a mosaic image 162 based on a material image
of a mobile telephone 161, and the display image information display
portion 163.

[0369] With an example illustrated in FIG. 28, the system control unit 15
first decides that the user of the user terminal 2-k further transmits a
posting image, and the quantity of posting images stored in the posting
image DB 141 and the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored which is
associated with the mobile telephone 161 and stored approximate.

[0370] Further, the system control unit 15 extracts the mobile telephone
161 which is the material image associated with the quantity of the
posting-images-to-be-stored, allocates posting images and generates the
mosaic image 162 based on the mobile telephone 161.

[0371] Furthermore, a mosaic image displayed on the display of the display
unit 22 when a posting image having red as representative color
information of the posting image is further transmitted by the user of
the user terminal 2-k according to a comment "if you send more red
images, a picture will change!!" displayed in the display image
information display portion 163 will be described using FIG. 29.

[0372]FIG. 29 is a view illustrating an example where the number of
posting images stored in the posting image DB 141 increases according to
a condition displayed in a display image information display portion 163,
a stored material image is extracted according to the quantity and
representative color information of specific posting-images-to-be-stored
which is associated with the material image and stored, and a mosaic
image based on the material image is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0373] As illustrated in FIG. 29, a web page 170 configuring a mosaic
image displays, for example, a mosaic image 172 based on a material image
of an apple 171.

[0374] With an example illustrated in FIG. 29, the system control unit 15
first calculates the quantity of posting images per representative color
information from the stored posting images and representative color
information of the posting images.

[0375] Further, when the quantity of posting images calculated per
representative color information approximates to the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated with a material image and
stored, and representative color information shown by the posting image
and representative color information shown by the material image match,
the system control unit 15 extracts the material image associated with
the representative color information and the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored and stored.

[0376] In this case, when the quantity of posting images including red as
representative color information and the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored which is associated with the material image
and stored approximate, the system control unit 15 extracts the apple 171
which is the material image associated with representative color
information of red shown by the material image and stored, allocates the
posting images and generates the mosaic image 172 based on the apple 171.

[0377] Next, an operation of an information providing system matching a
request of the user terminal 2-k according to the second aspect of the
present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 30 to 33. In addition, a
basic sequence between the information processing device 1 and the user
terminal 2-k may be the same as in the first aspect of the present
embodiment (FIG. 26).

[0378] FIG. 30 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to the present embodiment upon reception of a posting image.
The processing upon reception of a posting image is started when the
information processing device 1 receives a posting image from the user
terminal 2-k (step S30 in FIG. 26).

[0379] As illustrated in FIG. 30, the system control unit 15 calculates
representative color information of the currently received posting image
(step S201). Next, the system control unit 15 sets 1 to a material area
number j (step S202). For ease of description, a material image ID
indicates a material image number. This number is referred to as a
"material image number". The material image number is allocated in order
from the first. Subsequently, a material image having a material image
number j is referred to as a "material image j".

[0380] Next, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not a mosaic
image of the material image j is completed (generated) (step S203). In
this case, when deciding that the mosaic image of the material image j is
completed (step S203: YES), the system control unit 15 proceeds to step
S217.

[0381] By contrast with this, when deciding that the mosaic image of the
material image j is not completed (step S203: NO), the system control
unit 15 acquires representative color information of each divided area of
the material image j from the material image DB 142 (step S204). Next,
the system control unit 15 acquires outline information of the material
image j from the material image DB 142, and specifies divided areas
including images showing an outline from divided areas of the material
image j based on the acquired outline information. Next, the system
control unit 15 calculates the similarity between representative color
information of the currently received posting image and representative
color information of each divided area to which a posting image is not
yet allocated among the divided areas including images showing the
outline in the material image j (step S205).

[0382] Next, the system control unit 15 selects the divided area of the
calculated highest similarity (step S206). Next, the system control unit
15 decides whether or not the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold set in advance or more (step S207). In this
case, when deciding that the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold or more (step S207: YES), the system control
unit 15 allocates the currently received posting image to the selected
divided area of the material image j (step S211).

[0383] By contrast with this, when deciding that the similarity calculated
for the selected divided area is not a threshold or more (step S207: NO),
the system control unit 15 calculates the similarity between
representative color information of the currently received posting image
and representative color information of each divided area to which a
posting image is not yet allocated among the divided areas including no
image showing the outline in the material image j (step S208).

[0384] Next, the system control unit 15 selects the divided area of the
calculated highest similarity (step S209). Next, the system control unit
15 decides whether or not the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold set in advance or more (step S210). In this
case, when deciding that the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is not a threshold or more (step S210: NO), the system
control unit 15 proceeds to step S217.

[0385] By contrast with this, when deciding that the similarity calculated
for the selected divided area is a threshold or more (step S210: YES),
the system control unit 15 allocates the currently received posting image
to the selected divided area of the material image j (step S211). Thus,
the system control unit 15 preferentially allocates posting images to
divided areas including images showing the outline.

[0386] After finishing processing in step S211, the system control unit 15
registers the currently received posting image in the posting image DB
141 (step S212). More specifically, the system control unit 15 generates
a new posting image number. Further, the system control unit 15
associates and registers the generated posting image number, the
currently received posting image, a currently received user ID and color
information and representative color information of the currently
received posting image.

[0387] Next, the system control unit 15 executes point processing
described below (step S213). Next, the system control unit 15 decides
whether or not posting images are allocated to all divided areas of the
material image j (step S214). In this case, when deciding that there are
divided areas to which posting images are not yet allocated among the
divided areas of the material image j (step S214: NO), the system control
unit 15 proceeds to step S217.

[0388] By contrast with this, when deciding that posting images are
allocated to all divided areas of the material image j (step S214: YES),
the system control unit 15 selects the material image j as a source image
of the mosaic image to be displayed on a web page (step S215). Next, the
system control unit 15 executes mosaic image generation processing (step
S216).

[0389] In the mosaic image generation processing, the system control unit
15 generates a mosaic image based on the posting image allocated to each
divided area of the material image j selected as the source image, and
registers the generated mosaic image in the mosaic image DB 143.
Processing content of the mosaic image generation processing is basically
the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 16). Meanwhile, in step S15 of
the mosaic image generation processing, the system control unit 15
acquires the number of divisions of the material image j from the
material image DB 142. Further, the system control unit 15 generates
table part data of a table having cells corresponding to a number
indicated by the acquired number of divisions. Furthermore, in step S160,
the system control unit 15 decides whether or not the divided area number
i is less than a value indicated by the number of divisions of the
material image j. After finishing the mosaic image generation processing,
the system control unit 15 proceeds to step S217.

[0390] In step S217, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not the
material image number j is less than a value indicated by the number of
material images stored in the material image DB 142. In this case, when
deciding that the material image number j is less than a value indicated
by the number of the material images (step S217: YES), the system control
unit 15 adds 1 to the material image number j and updates the material
image number j (step S218). Next, the system control unit 15 proceeds to
step S203.

[0391] By contrast with this, when deciding that the material image number
j is not less than the value indicated by the number of material images
(step S217: NO), the system control unit 15 decides whether or not the
currently received posting image is allocated to a divided area of one or
more material images of the material images stored in the material image
DB 142 (step S219). In this case, when deciding that the currently
received posting image is not allocated to any divided area of the
material images (step S219: NO), the system control unit 15 transmits a
posting rejection message to the user terminal 2-k which is the
transmission source of a posting image (step S220) and finishes
processing upon reception of a posting image.

[0392] By contrast with this, when deciding that the currently received
posting image is allocated to divided areas of one or more material
images (step S219: YES), the system control unit 15 transmits a posting
completion message to the user terminal 2-k which is the transmission
source of a posting image (step S221) and finishes processing upon
reception of a posting image.

[0393] In addition, when the currently received posting image is allocated
to a divided area, the system control unit 15 may allocate the currently
received posting image to a divided area to which another posting image
is already allocated. More specifically, the system control unit 15
calculates for a given divided area the similarity between representative
color information of the divided area and representative color
information of the posting image which is already allocated to the
divided area. Further, the system control unit 15 calculates the
similarity between representative color information of the divided area
and representative color information of the currently received posting
image. Furthermore, when the similarity to representative color
information of the currently received posting image is higher than the
similarity to representative color information of the posting image which
is already allocated, the system control unit 15 allocates the currently
received posting image to this divided area. That is, the system control
unit 15 allocates a posting image which is more suitable for this divided
area than the posting images which are already allocated to the divided
areas. Consequently, it is possible to generate a mosaic image which more
faithfully imitates a material image used as a source image. Further, in
this case, the system control unit 15 may assign points to a user who has
posted a posting image which is newly allocated instead of a posting
image which is already allocated.

[0394]FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to the present embodiment upon reception of a mosaic image page
request. Processing upon reception of a mosaic image page request is
started when the information providing device 1 receives the mosaic image
page request from the user terminal 2-k (step S2 in FIG. 26).

[0395] As illustrated in FIG. 31, the system control unit 15 decides
whether or not mosaic image table part data is stored in the mosaic image
DB 143 (step S251). When there is no material image in which posting
images are allocated to all divided areas among material images stored in
the material image DB 142, even one table part data is not generated. In
this case, when deciding that the mosaic image table part data is not
stored in the mosaic image DB 143 (step S251: NO), the system control
unit 15 transmits HTML document of a web page which does not display a
mosaic image, to the user terminal 2-k which is the transmission source
of the mosaic image page request (step S252), and finishes processing
upon reception of the image page request.

[0396] By contrast with this, when deciding that the mosaic image table
part data is stored in the mosaic image DB 143 (step S251: YES), the
system control unit 15 acquires mosaic image table part data matching a
material image selected as a current source image, from the mosaic image
DB 143 (step S253).

[0397] Next, the system control unit 15 extracts a material image which is
not selected as a current source image among the material images stored
in the material image DB 142, and in which there are divided areas to
which posting images are not yet allocated (step S254). Next, the system
control unit 15 acquires representative color information of the
extracted material image from the material image DB 142 (step S255).

[0398] Next, the system control unit 15 generates a text of a mosaic image
change condition message based on the acquired representative color
information (step S256). The mosaic image change condition message
indicates a condition that a source image of a mosaic image displayed on
a web page changes. For example, the mosaic image change condition
message shows "If you send more 0 images, a picture will change!!"
Meanwhile, "o" represents a character indicating a representative color
of a material image. The mosaic image change condition message is
displayed in a web page which displays a mosaic image.

[0399] For example, a material image which is not selected as a current
source image is an apple image, and the representative color of the apple
image is red. In this case, the system control unit 15 generates a text
of a message showing "If you send more red images, a picture will be
change!!" When a user who has browsed the web page reads this message and
posts a posting image including red as a representative color, the
posting image is highly likely to be allocated to divided areas of an
apple material image accordingly. Further, when posting images are
allocated to all divided areas of the apple material image, an apple
mosaic image is generated and is displayed on a web page. In addition,
when there are a plurality of corresponding material images, the system
control unit 15 may generate a text of a mosaic image change condition
message based on each representative color information (for example, "If
you send red or yellow images, a picture will change!!").

[0400] Next, the system control unit 15 associates and stores the
representative color information acquired from the material image DB 142
as point assigning color information, and a material image number of a
corresponding material image in the memory unit 14 (step S257). In this
case, when old point assigning color information is stored in the memory
unit 14, the system control unit 15 deletes this old point assigning
color information from the memory unit 14. When the representative color
information of the posting image received from the user terminal 2-k
matches with the point assigning color information, points are assigned
to the user who has posted the posting image. That is, when the user
posts a posting image required to change a source image of a mosaic
image, points are assigned to this user.

[0401] Next, the system control unit 15 generates a web page which
displays a mosaic image, based on the table part data acquired from the
mosaic image DB 143 and the text of the generated mosaic image change
condition message (step S258). Next, the system control unit 15 transmits
the generated HTML document to the user terminal 2-k which is the
transmission source of the mosaic image page request (step S259), and
finishes the processing upon reception of the mosaic image page request.

[0402] When, for example, a mosaic image for which a mobile telephone
material image is used as a source image first is completed, as
illustrated in FIG. 28, a web page which displays the mosaic image 162
based on the mobile telephone 161 is displayed on the display unit 22 of
each user terminal 2-k. Further, there is an apple material image
including red as a representative color, a mosaic image change condition
message "If you send more red images, a picture will change!!" is
displayed in the display image information display portion 163.

[0403] Subsequently, when a mosaic image for which an apple material image
is used as a source image first is completed, as illustrated in FIG. 29,
a web page which displays the mosaic image 172 based on the apple 171 is
displayed on the display unit 22 of each user terminal 2-k.

[0404] In addition, even when, for example, a period (the time and a
number of days) set in advance passes after the first posting image is
received and registered in the posting image DB 141, if even one mosaic
image is not completed, the system control unit 15 may display an
incomplete mosaic image on a web page. In this case, for example, the
system control unit 15 selects a material image which is used as a source
image for a mosaic image, from material images stored in the material
image DB 142. For example, the system control unit 15 may select the
material image of the highest completion rate of the mosaic image. The
completion rate of the mosaic image is found by, for example, dividing
the number of divided areas to which posting images are allocated, by the
number of divisions of a material image.

[0405] Then, when receiving a posting image from the user terminal 2-k and
allocating the received posting image to a material image selected as a
source image, the system control unit 15 updates a mosaic image based on
the allocated posting image. By this means, a mosaic image displayed on a
web page is gradually completed.

[0406]FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a mosaic image shown on the display
of the display unit 22. In FIG. 32, the same elements as in FIG. 28 will
be assigned the same reference numerals. For example, the system control
unit 15 selects a mobile telephone material image as a source image of an
incomplete mosaic image. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 32, a web
page which displays a mosaic image 165 based on the mobile telephone 161,
is displayed on the display unit 22 of each user terminal 2-k. With the
mosaic image 165, posting images are not embedded in part of cells.

[0407] In addition, in some cases, posting images are allocated to all
divided areas of a material image which is not selected as a source image
in a state where an incomplete mosaic image is displayed in a web page.
That is, a mosaic image corresponding to a material image which is not
selected as a source image is completed in some cases. In this case, the
material image which is used as a source image for a mosaic image
displayed on the web page is changed. In this case, there are various
timings to change the material image. When, for example, a mosaic image
currently displayed on the web page is completed, the system control unit
15 may change the material image which is a source image. Further, when
the completion rate of the mosaic image currently displayed on the web
page is a completion rate set in advance or more, the system control unit
15 may change the material image which is a source image. Furthermore,
when a period set in advance passes after the first posting image is
received and registered in the posting image DB 141, the system control
unit 15 may change a material image which is a source image.

[0408] Still further, when an incomplete mosaic image is displayed on a
web page, there are various conditions of displaying a mosaic image
change condition message on the web page. When, for example, posting
images which correspond to a number of images set in advance or more and
which cannot be allocated to divided areas of a material image selected
as a source image of the mosaic image currently displayed on the web page
are transmitted, the system control unit 15 may display a mosaic image
change condition message. Further, when an incomplete mosaic image is
completed or the completion rate of the incomplete mosaic image is the
completion rate set in advance or more, the system control unit 15 may
display a mosaic image change condition message. Furthermore, when a
period set in advance passes after the first posting image is received
and registered in the posting image DB 141, the system control unit 15
may display a mosaic image change condition message.

[0409] When, for example, after an incomplete mosaic image which is a
source image of a mobile telephone material image is displayed on a web
page, posting images which correspond to a number of images set in
advance or more and which cannot be allocated to divided areas of the
mobile telephone material image are transmitted, as illustrated in FIG.
32, a mosaic image change condition message "If you send more red images,
a picture will change!!" is displayed in the display image information
display portion 163.

[0410]FIG. 33 is a view illustrating a processing example in point
processing of the system control unit 15 of the information providing
device 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 33, the same
processing as in FIG. 15 will be assigned the same reference numeral.

[0411] As illustrated in FIG. 33, the system control unit 15 decides
whether or not a selected divided area is a point assigning area based on
point assigning area information of the material image j (step S131). In
this case, when deciding that the selected divided area is a point
assigning area (step S131: YES), the system control unit 15 acquires a
user ID associated with the posting image allocated to the selected
divided area, from the posting image DB (step S132). Next, the system
control unit 15 updates the number of holding points associated with the
acquired user ID (step S133), and finishes point processing.

[0412] When deciding in step S131 that the selected divided area is not a
point assigning area (step S131: NO), the system control unit 15 decides
whether or not point assigning color information associated with the
material image number j is stored in the memory unit 14 (step S271). In
this case, when deciding that the point assigning color information
associated with the material image number j is not stored (step S271:
NO), the system control unit 15 finishes point processing.

[0413] By contrast with this, when deciding that the point assigning color
information associated with the material image number j is stored (step
S271: YES), the system control unit 15 acquires the point assigning color
information associated with the material image number j from the memory
unit 14 (step S272). Next, the system control unit 15 decides whether or
not representative color information of a posting image allocated to the
selected divided area and the acquired point assigning color information
match (step S273). In this case, when deciding that representative color
information of the posting image and the point assigning color
information do not match (step S273: NO), the system control unit 15
finishes point processing.

[0414] By contrast with this, when deciding that representative color
information of the posting image and the point assigning color
information match (step S273: YES), the system control unit 15 executes
processings in steps S132 and S133 and finishes point processing. That
is, the system control unit 15 assigns points to a user who has posted a
posting image having a representative color indicated by a mosaic image
change condition message displayed on a web page which displays a mosaic
image.

[0415] In addition, even when a period passes after the first posting
image is received and registered in the posting image DB 141 while an
incomplete mosaic image is displayed on a web page, if the incomplete
mosaic image is not completed, the system control unit 15 may use as
point assigning areas all divided areas to which posting images are not
yet allocated among divided areas of a material image which is currently
selected as a source image. That is, when the posting images allocated to
incomplete portions (cells) in a mosaic image displayed on a web page are
posted, the system control unit 15 may assign points. In this way, the
system control unit 15 sets in advance the areas through which points are
assigned to users.

[0416] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system
control unit 15 of the information providing device 1 generates a mosaic
image by acquiring a posting image from the user terminal 2-k through the
network, storing the acquired posting image in the posting image DB 141,
and allocating the acquired posting image to one divided area based on
representative color information of the acquired posting image and
representative color information of each divided area of a material image
which is used as a source image, and generates a new mosaic image by,
after generating the mosaic image, changing at least a material image of
the number of divided areas and the material image in response to an
increase in the number of posts.

[0417] By this means, the resolution of the newly generated mosaic image
and the material image imitated using the newly generated mosaic image
change from the previously generated mosaic image. Consequently, it is
possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing the
mosaic image.

[0418] Further, the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image for
which one material image is used as a source image by acquiring
representative color information of divided areas of each of a plurality
of material images, allocating the acquired posting image to divided
areas of one material image based on the acquired representative color
information of a posting image and the acquired representative color
information of the divided areas and allocating divided areas to one
material image, and generates a mosaic image by, after generating the
mosaic image, using as a new source image a material image different from
the material image used as the source image in response to an increase in
the number of posts.

[0419] Hence, the material image imitated by the mosaic image changes to
another material image in response to an increase in the number of posts.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0420] Further, the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image using
as a source image the material image in which posting images are
allocated to all divided areas, in response to an increase in the number
of posts.

[0421] Consequently, when the material image imitated by the mosaic image
changes to another material image, it is possible to generate a mosaic
image without defect portions. Consequently, it is possible to encourage
user's motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0422] Further, even when the posting image acquired from the user device
2-k is not suitable for any divided areas, this image is not used to
generate a mosaic image. Consequently, a mosaic image which more
faithfully imitates the material image is generated, so that it is
possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing the
mosaic image.

[0423] Further, posting images are preferentially allocated to divided
areas including images showing the outline, so that the user can learn
the material image imitated by the mosaic image at a comparatively early
stage.

[0424] Furthermore, when a posting image is allocated to a point assigning
area, points are assigned to a user who has posted this image.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of posting
images. Consequently, the resolution of a mosaic image and a material
image imitated by the mosaic image are expected to change quickly, so
that it is possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously
browsing the mosaic image.

[0425] Further, the user who browses the mosaic image can browse a profile
of a user who has posted the posting image included in the displayed
mosaic image. Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation
of browsing the mosaic image.

[0426] Further, the system control unit 15 acquires a plurality of posting
images from a plurality of user terminals 2-k connected through the
network, stores a plurality of acquired posting images in the posting
image DB 141, divides a plurality of material images of different types
into predetermined divided areas according to a type of the material
image, associates and stores the number which is set in advance as the
number of images-to-be-stored and the divided material images of
different types per quantity in the material image DB 142, extracts the
stored material images according to the quantity of the stored posting
images, applies RGB conversion to each posting image stored in the
posting image DB 141 and to the interior of each divided area of the
material image, compares a RGB conversion result of each posting image
and a RGB conversion result in each divided area of the material image,
when deciding that the RGB conversion result of the divided areas and the
RGB conversion result of the posting images approximate, allocates
posting images indicated by the RGB conversion result of the posting
images, to the divided areas indicated by the RGB conversion result of
the divided areas, generates the mosaic image based on the material
image, generates a web page which displays the mosaic image, and
distributes the generated web page to the user terminal 2-k which made an
access request.

[0427] Consequently, the type of a mosaic image to be displayed changes in
response to an increase of the quantity of posting images to be acquired,
so that it is possible to encourage user's motivation of repeatedly and
continuously browsing a mosaic image, and provide an effect of attracting
guests.

[0428] Further, the system control unit 15 calculates representative color
information of a color shown by each posting image stored in the posting
image DB 141 and representative color information of a color shown by
each material image stored in the material image DB 142, further
associates and stores the representative color information of the color
shown by the material image and each stored material image, and extracts
the stored material image according to the quantity of posting images
showing specific representative color information among the stored
posting images.

[0429] Consequently, the type of a mosaic image to be displayed changes
according to an increase of the quantity of posting images to be acquired
and the type of the representative color of the posting image, so that it
is possible to encourage user's motivation of repeatedly and continuously
browsing a mosaic image, and provide an effect of attracting guests.

[0430] Further, the system control unit 15 displays a condition that a
type of a mosaic image to be displayed changes.

[0431] Consequently, it is possible to give an expectation to users that
the type of a mosaic image to be displayed is likely to change based on
posting images transmitted by the users, so that it is possible to
encourage users' motivation of repeatedly and continuously browsing a
mosaic image, and provide an effect of attracting guests.

[0432] Further, the system control unit 15 may allocate the posting images
to the divided areas according to a predetermined priority set in
advance, and generate the mosaic image based on the material image.

[0433] With this configuration, the user who browses this web page can
browse the mosaic image which is completed from specific portions set
according to the priority while visually enjoying the mosaic image.

[0434] In addition, a display order may be allocated to each material
image stored in the material image DB 142. Meanwhile, the display order
of a material image indicates an order of displaying the material image
in a time domain. Hence, in order from a material image of an earlier
display order, a web page displays a mosaic image for which the material
image is used as a source image.

[0435] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 34, in the material image DB
142, a material image ID, a material image, the number of divisions,
representative color information of the material image, outline
information, color information of each divided area, representative color
information of each divided area and, in addition, a display order of a
material image are stored. The display order of each material image is
set in advance by, for example, an administrator.

[0436] An example is assumed where material images in which zodiac animals
are drawn are stored in the material image DB 142. More specifically,
twelve material images including a mouse material image, a cow material
image, a tiger material image, . . . and a boar material image are stored
in the material image DB 142. Further, the first is assigned to the mouse
material image as a display order. Furthermore, the second is assigned to
the cow material image as a display order. Still further, the third is
assigned to the tiger material image as a display order. Moreover, the
twelfth is assigned to the boar material image as a display order. Thus,
the display orders from the first to the twelfth are assigned to the
twelve material images.

[0437] The system control unit 15 refers to the display orders stored in
the material image DB 142, and transmits HTML documents for displaying
mosaic images for which the material images are used as source images, to
the user terminal 2-k according to the order matching the display orders
of the material images used as source images. More specifically, the
system control unit 15 transmits HTML documents for displaying mosaic
images in order from a mosaic image for which a material image of an
earlier display order is used as a source image. Hence, even when a
mosaic image for which a given material image is used as a source image
is completed, if a mosaic image based on a material image of a display
order earlier than the material image is not completed, the system
control unit 15 does not transmit HTML document for displaying a mosaic
image for which the material image is used as a source image. By this
means, that a mosaic image is displayed on a web page according to a
display order of a material image is guaranteed.

[0438] Even when, for example, a cow mosaic image is completed in case of
the zodiac animals, the cow mosaic image is not displayed on the web page
until a mouse mosaic image is completed. Further, even when a tiger
mosaic image is completed, the tiger mosaic image is not displayed on the
web page until the mouse mosaic image and the cow mosaic image are
completed.

[0439] In addition, similar to the above case, in some cases, even one
mosaic image is not completed even when a period set in advance passes
after the first posting image is received and registered in the posting
image DB 141. In this case, the system control unit 15 may generate a
mosaic image based on a material image of the first display order, and
display the generated mosaic image on the web page. Further, when, for
example, the completion rate of a mosaic image currently displayed on a
web page is a completion rate set in advance or more, the system control
unit 15 may display on the web page a mosaic image for which a material
image of the display order next to the material image which is the source
image of the mosaic image is used as a source image.

Third Embodiment

[0440] With the present embodiment, a mosaic image displayed on a web page
is generated by allocating images to some divided areas of one material
image from a plurality of material images. Further, with the present
embodiment, a display order is allocated to each material image.
Meanwhile, the display order of a material image indicates an order of
displaying the material image in a time domain. Hence, in order from a
material image of an earlier display order, a web page displays a mosaic
image for which the material image is used as a source image.

[0441] Further, with the present embodiment, a difference between material
images of preceding and following display orders is specified. Meanwhile,
the difference between material images is a set of pixels having
differences in colors in the same coordinate. In other words, the
difference refers to a range in which there is a difference between
expressed patterns, figures or colors in material images. The difference
between these material images is acknowledged in divided area units. A
divided area for which the difference is acknowledged is referred to as a
"difference area". For example, the difference area is acknowledged
between a material image of the first display order and a material image
of the second display order. Further, the difference area is acknowledged
between a material image of the second display order and a material image
of the third display order. Each divided area in the difference area is
an example of a differing area according to the present invention.

[0442] When posting images are allocated to all divided areas of the
material image of the first display order, a mosaic image for which this
material image is used as a source image is completed, and the complete
mosaic image is displayed on a web page. By contrast with this, when
posting images are allocated to all divided areas in a difference area
between a material image of a material image of the second or subsequent
display order and a material image of a previous display order, a mosaic
image is generated using the posting images allocated in the difference
area and posting images allocated to divided areas other than in the
difference area in the material image of the previous display order. More
specifically, the posting images allocated in the difference area are
replaced with the posting images in the difference area in the material
image of the previous display order. That is, by allocating posting
images only in the difference area in the material image of the second or
subsequent display order, a mosaic image for which the material image is
used as a source image is completed.

[0443] By this means, even when posting images are not allocated to all
divided areas, it is possible to display a complete mosaic image as a
mosaic image which imitates a material image unlike the mosaic image
displayed so far. Consequently, a mosaic image including a less number of
divided areas included in a difference area between material images can
quickly change.

[0444] Hereinafter, a material image of the first or subsequent display
order is referred to as a "first material image". Further, a material
image of the second or subsequent display order is referred to as a
"second material image".

[0445] In addition, a configuration of a system, a configuration of an
information providing device 1 and a configuration of a user terminal 2-k
according to the present embodiment are basically the same as in the
first embodiment.

[0446] FIG. 35 illustrates tables indicating information stored in a
posting image DB 141, a material image DB 142 and a mosaic image DB 143
constructed in a memory unit 14. Content of information stored in the
posting image DB 141 and the mosaic image DB 143 may be the same as in
the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0447] In the material image DB 142, the first material image and the
second material image related to the first material image are associated
and stored (FIG. 35B).

[0448] Meanwhile, the first material image and second material image
related to the first material image are generated to express a mode where
an outlook of a display target changes based on, for example, a function
(or certain performance) which the display target shown in an image has.
When the second material image is such an image, the number of divided
areas included in a difference area is likely to be a little. In
addition, the second material image does not need to satisfy this
condition. The second material image also includes, for example, a
material image related to the first material image in advance by an
administrator irrespectively of the type and content of the material
image. Further, the second material image may not be a material image
related to the first material image. That is, a material image of the
first display order among material images stored in the material image DB
142 may be the first material image, and a material image of the second
or subsequent display order may be the second material image.

[0449] A case will be described as an example where the display target is
a flip mobile telephone.

[0450] With the flip mobile telephone, the mobile telephone has a foldable
function (mechanism) of changing an outlook of the mobile telephone from
the closed state to the opened state. Hence, to express the mode where
the outlook of the mobile telephone changes, the closed state of the
mobile telephone is expressed in the first material image, and the opened
state (completely opened state) of the mobile telephone is expressed in
the second material image. Further, each material image showing a state
where a mobile telephone is opened a little by little, which is an
intermediate state of the closed state of the mobile telephone and the
completely opened state of the mobile telephone is also prepared for the
second material image. Furthermore, the first material image and the
second material image may be stored in the material image DB 142 in
advance or read from the material images stored in an information
recording medium such as a USB memory through an interface unit which is
not illustrated. Still further, the material images transmitted from the
user terminal 2-k may be acquired through a communication unit 11 and
stored.

[0451] Moreover, although described below, in the material image DB 142,
the number set in advance as the number of images-to-be-stored
(hereinafter, simply "the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored"), and
the material image divided into predetermined divided areas according to
the material image and the second material image are associated and
stored (FIG. 35B). Meanwhile, the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored
refers to the number of divisions.

[0452] In addition, in the material image DB 142, representative color
information of the material image is associated with the quantity of
posting-images-to-be-stored and the material image divided into
predetermined divided areas according to the material image and the
second material image, and stored (FIG. 35B).

[0453]FIG. 36A illustrates a specific example of information stored in
the material image DB 142 for a material image of the first display
order. When the display order of the material image is the first, as
illustrated in FIG. 36A, in the material image DB 142, a material image
ID, a material image (first material image), a display order indicating
the first, the number of divisions, representative color information of
the material image, outline information, color information of each
divided area, representative color information of each divided area,
point assigning area information and second material image information
are stored.

[0454] The second material image information indicates the second material
image related to the first material image. For example, a material image
ID of each second material image is set in each second material image
information. In addition, when only one first material image and the
second material image related to the first material image are stored in
the material image DB 142, the second material image information is not
required.

[0455]FIG. 36B illustrates a specific example of information stored in
the material image DB 142 for a material image of the second or
subsequent display order. When the display order of a material image is
the second or subsequent order, as illustrated in FIG. 36B, in the
material image DB 142, a material image ID, a material image (second
material image), a display order indicating one of the second and
subsequent orders, the number of divisions, representative color
information of a difference area, outline information, color information
of each divided area, representative color information of each divided
area and point assigning area information are stored.

[0456] The representative color information of a difference area indicates
a representative color of the entire difference area between a material
image of a given display order and a material image of the previous
display order. The point assigning area information indicates a divided
area which is set as a point assigning area among divided areas included
in a difference area.

[0457] Hereinafter, an example of material images stored in the material
image DB 142 will be described.

[0458]FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where a first
material image is divided into 986 divided areas when the first material
image shows "a closed state of a flip mobile telephone". As illustrated
in FIG. 37, an image 3-1 of the first material image showing the closed
state of the flip mobile telephone is divided into 986 divided areas
30-1. When a color on an outer side of the mobile telephones in material
images 3-1 to 3-n is blue, a representative color of the material image
3-1 is acknowledged as blue.

[0459]FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where one of
second material images is divided into 986 divided areas when the second
material image shows "a closed state of a flip mobile telephone changes
to a slightly opened state". As illustrated in FIG. 38, the image 3-2 of
the second material image showing a slightly opened state of the flip
mobile telephone is divided into 986 divided areas 30-2.

[0460]FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where one of
second material images is divided into 986 divided areas when the second
material image shows "a slightly opened state of a flip mobile telephone
changes to a more opened state". As illustrated in FIG. 39, the image 3-3
of the second material image showing a more opened state of the flip
mobile telephone is divided into 986 divided areas 30-3.

[0461]FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode where one of
second material images is divided into 986 divided areas when the second
material image shows "an opened state of a flip mobile telephone". As
illustrated in FIG. 40, the image 3-n of the second material image
showing an opened state of the flip mobile telephone is divided into 986
divided areas 30-n. Meanwhile, n is the number of material images of flip
mobile telephones stored in the material image DB 142.

[0462] Thus, each material image 3-m (m=1, 2, 3, . . . and n) is divided
into 986 divided areas 30-m. In addition, a material image 3-4 to a
material image 3-(n-1) will not be illustrated.

[0463]FIG. 41 is a view illustrating an example of a display order of
each material image 3-m. As illustrated in FIG. 41, m is allocated to
each material image 3-m as a display order. Hence, a web page which
displays a mosaic image displays mosaic images in order of a mosaic image
imitating the material image 3-1, a mosaic image imitating the material
image 3-2 and a mosaic image imitating the material image 3-3. Further, a
mosaic image imitating the material image 3-n is finally displayed. That
is, the flip mobile telephone changes from the closed state to the opened
state.

[0464]FIG. 42 is a view illustrating a difference area 4-2 in the
material image 3-2. The difference area 4-2 illustrated in FIG. 42 is an
area in which there is a difference in image between the material image
3-2 and the material image 3-1. Colors of keys of mobile telephones in
the material images 3-1 to 3-n are red. In the difference area 4-2 of the
material image 3-2, an area which displays the outer side of the mobile
telephone is larger than an area which displays keys. In this case, a
representative color of the difference area 4-2 of the material image 3-2
is acknowledged as blue.

[0465]FIG. 43 is a view illustrating the difference area 4-3 in the
material image 3-3. The difference area 4-3 illustrated in FIG. 43 is an
area having a difference in image between the material image 3-2 and the
material image 3-3. In the difference area 4-3 of the material image 3-3,
an area which displays keys is larger than an area which displays the
outer side of the mobile telephone. In this case, a representative color
of the difference area 4-3 of the material image 3-3 is acknowledged as
red.

[0466] Thus, a difference area between a material image of a given display
order and a material image of the previous display order is acknowledged
for the material images 3-2 to material image 3-n. Further, difference
area information indicating the difference area is stored in the material
image DB 142. In addition, the system control unit 15 may acknowledge the
difference area, and acknowledge a difference area in advance.

[0467] Hereinafter, an operation of a system control unit 15 according to
the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 44 to 46.

[0468] The system control unit 15 according to the present embodiment
first divides material images and second material images stored in the
material image DB 142 into a plurality of divided areas a size of which
is set according to the type of the material image.

[0469] In addition, the divided areas according to the present embodiment
are provided such that the material image is divided by the quantity
matching the type of the material image and the size of each divided area
is equal. Hence, the size of these divided areas decreases in inverse
proportion to an increase in the quantity matching, for example, the type
of the material image. Further, the quantity of the divided areas
increases in proportion to an increase of the quantity matching, for
example, the type of the material image. For example, this quantity is
indicated by the number of divisions stored in the material image DB 142.

[0470] Hence, the system control unit 15 prepares 986 divided areas in
which posting images need to be embedded when the type of the material
image is "a closed state of a flip mobile telephone", and 986 divided
areas in which the posting images need to be embedded when the type of
the material image is "an opened state of a flip mobile telephone".

[0471] Further, the system control unit 15 associates and stores the
quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored, and the divided material images
and second material images (see FIGS. 37 and 40) in the material image DB
142 (FIG. 35B).

[0472] More specifically, the system control unit 15 associates and stores
986 which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored and "a closed
state of a flip mobile telephone" which is the type of the material image
when the type of the material image is "a closed state of a flip mobile
telephone". Further, the system control unit 15 associates and stores 986
which is the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored and "an opened state
of a flip mobile telephone" which is the type of the material image when
the type of the second material image is "an opened state of a flip
mobile telephone".

[0473] In addition, the system control unit 15 may associate and store the
representative color information of a color shown in each material image,
and the quantity of posting-images-to-be-stored associated and stored in
the material image DB 142, the divided material images of different types
and the second material image.

[0474] More specifically, when the type of the material image is "a closed
state of a flip mobile telephone", if this material image is
RGB-converted, the RGB-converted pixel data has a B value much higher
than R and G values. In this case, when the difference between the B
value, and the R and G values is a threshold set in advance or more, the
representative color information of the posting image may be defined as B
and stored. In this case, representative color information of "a closed
state of a flip mobile telephone" of a material image is defined as blue
and stored.

[0475] Further, when the type of the second material image is "an opened
state of a flip mobile telephone", and a display unit of the mobile
telephone is filled with red, "red" is defined and stored as a result of
this RGB conversion.

[0477] Next, the system control unit 15 extracts a material image
(hereinafter, simply "stored material image") stored in the material
image DB 142. Further, the system control unit 15 extracts the second
material image following extraction of the material image. More
specifically, the system control unit 15 refers to the material image DB
142, and extracts the second material image associated with the material
image and stored. In addition, the first material image and the second
material image are extracted by specifying, for example, a series of
material images which are source images of mosaic images. Hence, the
system control unit 15 may specify each material image stored in the
material image DB 142 as the first material image and the second material
image as is. With examples in FIGS. 37 to 40, n material images of the
material image 3-1 to the material image 3-n are specified.

[0478] Hereinafter, a mosaic image generating method will be described.

[0479] The system control unit 15 allocates posting images to some divided
areas of one or a plurality of material images based on color information
of the posting images and color information of each divided area of a
plurality of material images. In this case, for a material image of the
second or subsequent material image (second material image), for example,
posting images may be allocated only to a difference area. In addition, a
method of allocating posting images to divided areas is the same as in
the second embodiment.

[0480] When posting images are allocated to all divided areas for the
material image of the first display order, the system control unit 15
generates a mosaic image using the material image as a source image.
Further, the system control unit 15 displays the generated mosaic image
on the web page transmitted to the user terminal 2-k. FIG. 44 is a view
illustrating an example of a mosaic image 5-1 when the material image 3-1
showing the closed state of the flip mobile telephone is a source image.

[0481] The system control unit 15 then allocates a posting image to a
difference area of each material image of the second or subsequent
display order every time a posting image is received from the user
terminal 2-k. Further, when posting images are allocated to all divided
areas in the difference area in the material image of the second display
order, posting images allocated in a difference area between a material
image of the first display order and a material image of the second
display order among the posting images allocated to divided areas in the
material image of the first display order are replaced with posting
images allocated in the difference area of the material image of the
second display order. In other words, posting images allocated to divided
areas of a difference area other than the difference area of the material
of the first display order are allocated as is to divided areas of the
material image of the second display order. Further, the system control
unit 15 generates a mosaic image using the material image of the second
display order as a source image. In other words, the system control unit
15 updates the mosaic image using posting images allocated to a
difference area. The system control unit 15 performs the same processing
for material images of the third and subsequent display orders.

[0482] FIG. 45 is a view illustrating an example where mosaic images are
updated. As illustrated in FIG. 45, for example, a mosaic image 5-2 for
which the material image 3-2 showing a slightly opened state of a flip
mobile telephone is completed. Further, posting images are allocated to
all divided areas 7-3 of the material image 3-3 showing a more opened
state of the flip mobile telephone. Then, a complete mosaic image 5-3 is
generated using posting images allocated to areas 6-2 other than a
difference area and posting images allocated to a difference area 7-3 in
the material image 3-2.

[0483] The system control unit 15 finally generates a mosaic image using
the material image of the last display order as a source image. FIG. 46
is a view illustrating an example of a mosaic image 5-n for which the
material image 3-n showing the opened state of the flip mobile telephone
is used as a source image.

[0484] In addition, even when posting images are allocated to all divided
areas in a difference area of a material image of a given display order,
in some cases, a mosaic image is not completed for which a material image
of a previous display order is used as a source image. In this case,
after the mosaic image is completed for which the material image of the
previous display order is used as a source image, a mosaic image is
generated for which the material image of this display order is used as a
source image. By this means, that a mosaic image is displayed on a web
page according to a display order of a material image is guaranteed, and
the mosaic image is adequately updated based on a difference.

[0485] Next, an operation of an information providing system matching a
request of the user terminal 2-k according to the present embodiment will
be described. In addition, a basic sequence between the information
processing device 1 and the user terminal 2-k may be the same as in the
second embodiment.

[0486]FIG. 47 is a view illustrating a processing example in processing
of the system control unit 15 of the information providing device 1
according to the present embodiment upon reception of a posting image.
The processing upon reception of a posting image is started when the
information processing device 1 receives a posting image from the user
terminal 2-k (step S30 in FIG. 26).

[0487] As illustrated in FIG. 47, the system control unit 15 calculates
color information of the currently received posting image (step S301).
Next, the system control unit 15 sets 1 to a m-th display order (step
S302). Subsequently, a material image of a m-th display order is referred
to as a "material image m". Next, the system control unit 15 decides
whether or not the m-th display order is 1 (step S303). In this case,
when deciding that the m-th display order is not 1 (step S303: NO), the
system control unit 15 proceeds to step S341.

[0488] By contrast with this, when deciding that the m-th display order is
1 (step S303: YES), the system control unit 15 allocates posting images
to divided areas of a material image 1. First, the system control unit 15
decides whether or not a mosaic image of the material image 1 is
completed (generated) (step S304). In this case, when deciding that the
mosaic image of the material image 1 is completed (step S304: YES), the
system control unit 15 proceeds to step S318.

[0489] By contrast with this, when deciding that the mosaic image of the
material image 1 is not completed (step S304: NO), the system control
unit 15 acquires representative color information of each divided area of
the material image 1 from the material image DB 142 (step S305). Next,
the system control unit 15 acquires outline information of the material
image 1 from the material image DB 142, and specifies divided areas
including images showing an outline from the divided areas of the
material image 1 based on the acquired outline information. Next, the
system control unit 15 calculates the similarity between representative
color information of the currently received posting image and
representative color information of each divided area to which a posting
image is not yet allocated among the divided areas including images
showing the outline in the material image 1 (step S306).

[0490] Next, the system control unit 15 selects the divided area of the
calculated highest similarity (step S307). Next, the system control unit
15 decides whether or not the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold set in advance or more (step S308). In this
case, when deciding that the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold or more (step S308: YES), the system control
unit 15 allocates the currently received posting image to the selected
divided area of the material image 1 (step S312).

[0491] By contrast with this, when deciding that the similarity calculated
for the selected divided area is not a threshold or more (step S308: NO),
the system control unit 15 calculates the similarity between color
information of the currently received posting image and color information
of each divided area to which a posting image is not yet allocated among
the divided areas including no image showing the outline in the material
image 1 (step S309).

[0492] Next, the system control unit 15 selects the divided area of the
calculated highest similarity (step S310). Next, the system control unit
15 decides whether or not the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold set in advance or more (step S311). In this
case, when deciding that the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is not a threshold or more (step S311: NO), the system
control unit 15 proceeds to step S318.

[0493] By contrast with this, when deciding that the similarity calculated
for the selected divided area is a threshold or more (step S311: YES),
the system control unit 15 allocates the currently received posting image
to the selected divided area of the material image 1 (step S312).

[0494] After finishing processing in step S312, the system control unit 15
registers the currently received posting image in the posting image DB
141 (step S313). More specifically, the system control unit 15 generates
a new posting image ID. Further, the system control unit 15 associates
and registers a generated posting image ID, the currently received
posting image, a currently received user ID, and color information and
representative color information of the currently received posting image.

[0495] Next, the system control unit 15 executes point processing (step
S314). Processing content of point processing is basically the same as in
the second embodiment. Meanwhile, in steps S271 and S272 illustrated in
FIG. 33, when point assigning color information associated with the
material image ID of the material image of the m-th display order is
stored, the system control unit 15 acquires this point assigning color
information.

[0496] After finishing point processing, the system control unit 15
decides whether or not posting images are allocated to all divided areas
of the material image 1 (step S315). In this case, when deciding that
there are divided areas to which posting images are not yet allocated
among the divided areas of the material image 1 (step S315: NO), the
system control unit 15 proceeds to step S318.

[0497] By contrast with this, when deciding that posting images are
allocated to all divided areas of the material image 1 (step S315: YES),
the system control unit 15 selects the material image 1 as a source image
of the mosaic image to be displayed on a web page (step S316). Next, the
system control unit 15 executes mosaic image generation processing (step
S317).

[0498] In the mosaic image generation processing, the system control unit
15 generates a mosaic image based on the posting image allocated to each
divided area of the material image 1 selected as the source image, and
transfers the generated mosaic image in the mosaic image DB 143.
Processing content of the mosaic image generation processing is basically
the same as in the second embodiment (FIG. 16). Meanwhile, in step S151
of the mosaic image generation processing, the system control unit 15
acquires the number of divisions of the material image 1 from the
material image DB 142. Further, the system control unit 15 generates
table part data of a table having cells corresponding to a number
indicated by the acquired number of divisions. Furthermore, in step S160,
the system control unit 15 decides whether or not the divided area number
i is less than a value indicated by the number of divisions of the
material image 1. After finishing the mosaic image generation processing,
the system control unit 15 proceeds to step S318.

[0499] When deciding in step S303 that the m-th display order is not 1
(step S303: NO), the system control unit 15 allocates posting images in a
difference area of the material image m.

[0500] As illustrated in FIG. 48, the system control unit 15 first decides
whether or not posting images are allocated to all divided areas in the
difference area of the material image m (step S341). In this case, when
deciding that posting images are allocated to all divided areas in the
difference area of the material image m (step S341: YES), the system
control unit 15 proceeds to step S353.

[0501] By contrast with this, when deciding that there are divided areas
to which posting images are not allocated in the difference area of the
material image m (step S341: NO), the system control unit 15 acquires
color information of each divided area in the difference area of the
material image m from the material image DB 142 (step S342). Next, the
system control unit 15 acquires outline information of the material image
m from the material image DB 142, and specifies divided areas including
images showing an outline from the divided areas in the difference area
of the material image m based on the acquired outline information. Next,
the system control unit 15 calculates the similarity between color
information of the currently received posting image and color information
of each divided area to which a posting image is not yet allocated among
the divided areas including images showing the outline in the difference
area of the material image m (step S343).

[0502] Next, the system control unit 15 selects the divided area of the
calculated highest similarity (step S344). Next, the system control unit
15 decides whether or not the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold set in advance or more (step S345). In this
case, when deciding that the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold or more (step S345: YES), the system control
unit 15 allocates the currently received posting image to the selected
divided area of the material image m (step S349).

[0503] By contrast with this, when deciding that the similarity calculated
for the selected divided area is not a threshold or more (step S345: NO),
the system control unit 15 calculates the similarity between color
information of the currently received posting image and color information
of each divided area to which a posting image is not yet allocated among
the divided areas including no image showing the outline in the material
image m (step S346).

[0504] Next, the system control unit 15 selects the divided area of the
calculated highest similarity (step S347). Next, the system control unit
15 decides whether or not the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is a threshold set in advance or more (step S348). In this
case, when deciding that the similarity calculated for the selected
divided area is not a threshold or more (step S348: NO), the system
control unit 15 proceeds to step S318.

[0505] By contrast with this, when deciding that the similarity calculated
for the selected divided area is a threshold or more (step S348: YES),
the system control unit 15 allocates the currently received posting image
to the selected divided area of the material image m (step S349).

[0506] After finishing processing in step S349, the system control unit 15
registers the currently received posting image in the posting image DB
141 (step S350). Next, the system control unit 15 executes point
processing (step S351).

[0507] Next, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not posting
images are allocated to all divided areas in the difference area of the
material image m (step S352). In this case, when deciding that there are
divided areas to which posting images are not yet allocated in the
difference area of the material image m (step S352: NO), the system
control unit 15 proceeds to step S318.

[0508] By contrast with this, when deciding that posting images are
allocated to all divided areas in the difference area of the material
image m (step S352: YES), the system control unit 15 decides whether or
not the m-th display order matches a display order +1 of a material image
currently selected as a source image of a mosaic image displayed on a web
page (step S353). That is, the system control unit 15 decides whether or
not a target currently displayed on a web page is a mosaic image which
imitates the material image of a display order m-1.

[0509] In this case, when deciding that the m-th display order does not
match with the display order +1 of the material image currently selected
as a source image (step S353:NO), the system control unit 15 proceeds to
step S318.

[0510] By contrast with this, when deciding that the m-th display order
matches with the display order +1 of the material image currently
selected as a source image (step S353: YES), the system control unit 15
selects the material image m as a source image of a mosaic image
displayed on the web page (step S354). That is, when the m-th display
order matches with the display order +1 of the material image currently
selected as a source image, the target currently displayed on the web
page is the mosaic image which imitates the material image of the display
order m-1. Further, in this case, the mosaic image which imitates the
material image of the display order m-1 is completed. Then, the system
control unit 15 executes processing in step S354 to update the mosaic
image using posting images allocated in the difference area of the
material image of the m-th display order and generate a mosaic image
which imitates the material image of the display order m.

[0511] For example, with an example illustrated in FIG. 41, a source image
of a mosaic image displayed on a web page is the material image 3-2. That
is, a mosaic image which imitates the material image 3-2 is displayed on
the web page. Then, the mosaic image shown on the web page changes from
the mosaic image which imitates the material image 3-2 of the second
display order to the mosaic image which imitates the material image 3-3
of the third display order. Hence, as illustrated in FIG. 43, it is
necessary to allocate posting images to all divided areas in the
difference area 4-3 between the material image 3-2 and the material image
3-3 to change the mosaic image shown on the web page. That is, it is
necessary to allocate posting images to all divided areas in a difference
area of a material image of a display order next to the display order of
the material image currently selected as a source image of the mosaic
image displayed on the web page. By this means, it is possible to
generate the mosaic image which imitates the material image 3-3. Then, in
step S353, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not a display
order of a material image in which posting images are allocated to all
divided areas in a difference area is next to a display order of a
material image selected as a source image of a mosaic image displayed one
a web page.

[0512] Further, when conditions to change a mosaic image are satisfied in
step S353 (step S353: YES), a mosaic image which imitates the material
image of the m-th display order is generated according to mosaic image
difference updating processing using posting images allocated in the
difference area of the material image of the m-th display order and
posting images allocated to divided areas in a difference area other than
the difference area of the material image of the display order m-1. This
generated mosaic image is a mosaic image displayed on a web page. Then,
in step S354, the system control unit 15 selects a material image of the
m-th display order as a source image. This selection result is used upon
decision in step S353 in processing upon reception of a posting image
executed when a posting image is received the next or subsequent time.

[0513] Next, the system control unit 15 executes mosaic image different
updating processing described below (step S355), and proceeds to step
S318. The mosaic image difference updating processing is directed to
updating a mosaic image.

[0514] In step S318 illustrated in FIG. 47, the system control unit 15
decides whether or not the material image m is less than a value
indicated by the number of material images stored in the material image
DB 142. In this case, when deciding that the m-th display order is less
than the value indicated by the number of material images (step S318:
YES), the system control unit 15 adds 1 to the m-th display order and
updates the m-th display order (step S319), and then the system control
unit 15 proceeds to step S303.

[0515] By contrast with this, when deciding that the m-th display order is
not less than the value indicated by the number of material images (step
S318: NO), the system control unit 15 decides whether or not the
currently received posting image is allocated to divided areas of one or
more material images of the material images stored in the material image
DB 142 (step S320). In this case, when deciding that the currently
received posting image is not allocated to any divided area of the
material images (step S320: NO), the system control unit 15 transmits a
posting rejection message to the user terminal 2-k which is the
transmission source of a posting image (step S321) and finishes
processing upon reception of a posting image.

[0516] In this case, when deciding that the currently received posting
image is allocated to divided areas of one or more material images (step
S320: YES), the system control unit 15 transmits a posting completion
message to the user terminal 2-k which is the transmission source of the
posting image (step S322) and finishes processing upon reception of the
posting image.

[0517] In addition, similar to the second embodiment, when the currently
received posting image is allocated to a divided area, the system control
unit 15 may allocate the currently received posting image to a divided
area to which another posting image is already allocated. Further, in
this case, the system control unit 15 may assign points to a user who has
posted a posting image which is newly allocated instead of a posting
image which is already allocated.

[0518]FIG. 49 is a view illustrating a processing example in mosaic image
difference updating processing of the system control unit 15 of the
information providing device 1 according to the present embodiment. In
FIG. 49, the same processing as in FIG. 16 will be assigned the same
reference numeral.

[0519] As illustrated in FIG. 49, the system control unit 15 acquires
table part data matching the material image of the display order m-1,
from the mosaic image DB 143 (step 371). That is, the system control unit
15 acquires a mosaic image which imitates the material image of the
display order m-1. Next, the system control unit 15 sets 1 to the divided
area number (step S152).

[0520] Next, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not a divided
area i is a divided area in the difference area between the material
image of the display order m-1 and the material image m (step S372). In
this case, when deciding that the divided area i is not the divided area
in the difference area (step S372: NO), the system control unit 15
proceeds to step S375.

[0521] By contrast with this, when deciding that the divided area is a
divided area in the difference area (step S372: YES), the system control
unit 15 selects a posting image allocated to the divided area i (step
S373). Next, the system control unit 15 executes processings in steps
S154 to S158 similar to the first embodiment.

[0522] Next, the system control unit 15 rewrites cell setting content by
setting a generated img tag and a tag to a cell corresponding to the
divided area i in the table part data acquired in step S371 (step S374).

[0523] Next, the system control unit 15 decides whether or not the divided
area number i is less than a value of the number of divisions of the
material image m (step S375). In this case, when deciding that the
divided area number i is less than the value of the number of divisions
of the material image m (step S375: YES), the system control unit 15
updates the divided area number i by adding 1 to the divided area number
i (step S161). Next, the system control unit 15 proceeds to step S373.

[0524] By contrast with this, when deciding that the divided area number i
is not less than the value of the number of divisions of the material m
(step S375: NO), the system control unit 15 registers table part data in
which cell content is rewritten, in the mosaic image DB as a mosaic image
(step S376). After finishing processing in step S376, the system control
unit 15 finishes mosaic image difference updating processing.

[0525] Processing content of processing upon reception of a mosaic image
page request started when the information providing device 1 receives the
mosaic image page request from the user terminal 2-k is basically the
same as in the second embodiment (FIG. 31). Meanwhile, only when there
are divided areas to which posting images are allocated in a difference
area of a material image of a display order next to a material image
currently selected as a source image, the system control unit 15
generates a text of a mosaic image change condition message based on
representative color information of the difference area of the material
image. Further, only in this case, the system control unit 15 stores
representative color information of the difference area of a material
image of a display order next to a material image currently selected as a
source image, in the memory unit 14 as point assigning color information.

[0526] To change a mosaic image displayed on a web page, it is necessary
to allocate a posting image to a difference area between a material image
used as a current source image and a material image used as a source
image next. Then, the system control unit 15 does not include information
of a color which is not required for the time being to change a mosaic
image displayed on a web page, in a mosaic image change condition
message.

[0527] In addition, even when a period set in advance passes after the
first posting image is received and registered in the posting image DB
141, if the mosaic image for which the material image of the first
display order is used as a source image is not completed, the system
control unit 15 may display an incomplete mosaic image on a web page
using the material image of the first display order as a source image.

[0528] Then, when then receiving a posting image from the user terminal
2-k and allocating the received posting image to a material image
selected as a source image, the system control unit 15 updates a mosaic
image based on the allocated posting image. By this means, a mosaic image
displayed on a web page is gradually completed.

[0529] Further, when an incomplete mosaic image for which the material
image of the first display order is used as a source image is displayed
on a web page, there are various conditions of displaying a mosaic image
change condition message on the web page. When, for example, posting
images which correspond to a number of images set in advance or more and
which cannot be allocated to divided areas of a material image selected
as a source image of the mosaic image currently displayed on the web page
are transmitted, the system control unit 15 may display a mosaic image
change condition message. Further, when an incomplete mosaic image is
completed or the completion rate of the incomplete mosaic image is the
completion rate set in advance or more, the system control unit 15 may
display a mosaic image change condition message. Furthermore, when a
period set in advance passes after the first posting image is received
and registered in the posting image DB 141, the system control unit 15
may display a mosaic image change condition message.

[0530] In addition, even when a period set in advance passes after the
first posting image is received and registered in the posting image DB
141 while an incomplete mosaic image is displayed on a web page, if the
incomplete mosaic image is not completed, the system control unit 15 may
use as point assigning areas all divided areas to which posting images
are not yet allocated among divided areas of a material image which is
currently selected as a source image.

[0531] FIGS. 50 and 51 are views illustrating a mosaic image shown on the
display of the display unit 22. FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate examples where
the material images 3-1 to 3-n are stored in the material image DB 142.

[0532] The display order of the material image 3-1 showing a closed state
of the flip mobile telephone illustrated in FIG. 37 is the first. Hence,
when posting images are allocated to all divided areas of the material
image 3-1, the mosaic image 5-1 which imitates the material image 3-1 is
generated. In this case, a web page 180 configuring a mosaic image is
displayed as illustrated in FIG. 50.

[0533] The web page 180 displays an information display portion 181, a
posting image transmitting portion 182, the mosaic image 5-1, a posting
image related information display portion 184 and a display image
information display portion 185. In addition, content in the posting
image transmitting portion 182 is the same as in the posting image
transmitting portion 132 according to the first embodiment. Further,
content in the posting image related information display portion 184 is
the same as in the posting image related information display portion 134
according to the first embodiment.

[0534] The display image information display portion 185 displays a
condition that a type of a mosaic image to be displayed changes. The
display image information display portion 185 displays a message "If you
send more images, a picture will change!!" This is an example of a
message when a representative color of the difference area of the
material image 3-2 is not taken into account.

[0535] Subsequently, when posting images are allocated to all divided
areas in the difference area of the material image 3-2 showing a slightly
opened state of the mobile telephone illustrated in FIG. 38, in response
to an increase in the number of posts, the mosaic image 5-2 which
imitates the material image 3-2 is generated. In this case, a web page
190 configuring a mosaic image is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 51.

[0536] The web page 190 displays the mosaic image 5-1. Further, the web
page 190 displays a display image information display portion 195.
Hereinafter, a representative color of the difference area 4-2 in the
material image 3-2 illustrated in FIG. 42 is blue. Further, a
representative color of the difference area 4-3 in the material image 3-3
showing a more opened state of the mobile telephone illustrated in FIG.
43 is red. Furthermore, there are divided areas to which posting images
not allocated in both of the difference area 4-2 and the difference area
4-3. In this case, the display image information display portion 195
displays a mosaic image change condition message "If you send more blue
images, a picture will change!!" That is, information showing a
representative color of a posting image required in the difference area
4-2 in the material image 3-2 is displayed as a mosaic image change
condition message.

[0537] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system
control unit 15 of the information providing device 1 generates a mosaic
image by acquiring posting image from the user terminal 2-k through the
network, storing the acquired posting image in the posting image DB 141,
and allocating the acquired posting image to one divided area based on
color information of the acquired posting image and color information of
each divided area of a material image which is used as a source image,
and generates a new mosaic image by, after generating the mosaic image,
changing the material image in response to an increase in the number of
posts.

[0538] Hence, the material image imitated by the newly generated mosaic
image changes from the previously generated mosaic image. Consequently,
it is possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing
the mosaic image.

[0539] Further, the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image for
which one material image is used as a source image by acquiring color
information of divided areas of each of a plurality of material images,
and allocating the acquired posting images to divided areas of one
material image based on the acquired color information of the posting
images and the acquired color information of the divided areas, and
generates a mosaic image by, after generating the mosaic image, using as
a new source image a material image different from the material image
used as the source image according to an increase in the number of posts.

[0540] Hence, the material image imitated by the mosaic image changes to
another material image in response to an increase in the number of posts.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0541] Further, the system control unit 15 generates a mosaic image for
which a non-source image is used as a new source image by acquiring color
information of divided areas in a difference area having difference in
color between a source image and the non-source image which is a material
image which is not used as a source image among a plurality of material
images, allocating the acquired posting image to one divided area in the
difference area of one non-source image based on the acquired color
information of the posting image and the acquired color information of
the divided areas in the difference area, and using images allocated in
the difference area of the non-source image in which images are allocated
to all divided areas in the difference area, and images allocated to
divided areas other than the divided areas in the difference area in the
source image.

[0542] Hence, it is not necessary to allocate images to all divided areas
of the material image when the material which is the source image of the
mosaic image is changed. Consequently, it is possible to more quickly
change a mosaic image than when posting images are allocated to all
divided areas of the material image, so that it is possible to encourage
user's motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0543] Further, the system control unit 15 acquires the display order of
each material image from the posting image DB 141, generates a mosaic
image for which each material image is used as a source image according
to the order matching the display order of the material image used as the
source image in response to an increase in the number of posts, and
transmits HTML document for displaying a mosaic image generated at last,
to the user terminal 2-k. That is, the system control unit 15 transmits
HTML documents for displaying mosaic images for which the material images
are used as source images, to the user terminal 2-k according to the
order matching the display orders of the material images used as source
images.

[0544] Hence, the material image imitated by the mosaic image changes
according to the display order of the material image. Consequently, the
display order can be determined by, for example, an administrator such
that, for example, an image of a flip mobile telephone gradually changes
from an image showing the closed state to an image showing the opened
state, and an image imitated by a mosaic image gradually changes.

[0545] Further, even when the posting image acquired by the user device
2-k is not suitable for any divided areas, this image is not used to
generate a mosaic image. Consequently, a mosaic image which more
faithfully imitates the material image is generated, so that it is
possible to encourage user's motivation of continuously browsing the
mosaic image.

[0546] Further, posting images are preferentially allocated to divided
areas including images showing the outline, so that the user can learn
the material image imitated by the mosaic image at a comparatively early
stage.

[0547] Furthermore, when a posting image is allocated to a point assigning
area, points are assigned to a user who has posted this image.
Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation of posting
images. Consequently, a material image imitated by the mosaic image is
expected to change quickly, so that it is possible to encourage user's
motivation of continuously browsing the mosaic image.

[0548] Further, the user who browses the mosaic image can browse a profile
of a user who has posted the posting image included in the displayed
mosaic image. Consequently, it is possible to encourage user's motivation
of browsing the mosaic image.

[0549] Further, a mosaic image showing a related change can be visually
checked, so that it is possible to encourage user's motivation of
continuously browsing a mosaic image and acquire more unique users and
repeaters. Furthermore, it is possible to expect a sufficient effect of
attracting guests at, for example, events.

[0550] Still further, the system control unit 15 displays a condition that
a type of a mosaic image to be displayed changes.

[0551] Consequently, it is possible to give an expectation to users that
the type of a mosaic image to be displayed is likely to change based on
posting images transmitted by the users, so that it is possible to
encourage users' motivation of repeatedly and continuously browsing a
mosaic image, and provide an effect of attracting guests.

[0552] In addition, the system control unit 15 may generate a mosaic image
based on the material image by preferentially allocating the images to
divided areas showing the outline of the material image.

[0553] With this configuration, the user who browses this web page can
browse the mosaic image which is completed from specific portions set
according to the priority while visually enjoying the mosaic image.

[0554] In addition, with each of the embodiments, the system control unit
15 generates table part data as a mosaic image. However, the system
control unit 15 may generate image data of a mosaic image by, for
example, combining or synthesizing posting images allocated to divided
areas.